He Pānui Kōhungahunga | The Early Learning Bulletin

He Pānui Kōhungahunga | The Early Learning Bulletin is our primary channel for communicating with the early learning sector, including early learning services, playgroups, sector organisations and large early childhood education (ECE) providers.

Level of compliance Main audience Other

Inform
  • All Early Learning Services 
  • Service Managers
  • Educators, Teachers and Kaiako
  • Parents, Caregivers and Whānau

You can contact us at bulletin@education.govt.nz.

Latest COVID-19 updates

Update – 31 March(external link)

  • Message from Iona

Heads-up

  • Pay parity revenue and expenses survey – date extended
  • New curriculum strategies launched
  • TESSOL further study awards

COVID-19 information

  • Deciding whether you need extra mitigation measures in your COVID-19 safety plan
  • Parents whose children have COVID-19
  • Letter template to support attendance – English and te reo Māori

23 March: COVID-19 Protection Framework changes for education(external link)

  • Message from Iona

 COVID-19 information

  • Overview of the key changes
  • Guidance on mandatory vaccination requirements ending
  • Other changes to the COVID-19 Protection Framework

Early Learning Bulletin – 22 March(external link)

  • Message from Iona

COVID-19 information

  • Second round: Applications for relief teacher costs now open
  • Guidance on when household contacts should isolate

Need-to-know

  • Upcoming regulatory changes for home-based education and care services
  • Investigating an incident that involves a child

Heads-up

  • For your interest: Aotearoa New Zealand’s histories

COVID-19 update – 15 March(external link)

  • Message from Iona

COVID-19 information

  • Health and safety planning around vaccines
  • Temporary medical exemptions from booster requirements for those that have recently had COVID-19
  • Temporary changes to funding subsidies
  • COVID-19 information has moved

Need-to-know

  • New look: Learning Management System
  • New compliance tool: Written direction

Heads-up

  • Change to Education Sector Login for early learning providers

COVID-19 update – 10 March(external link)

  • Message from Iona

Heads-up

  • New commencement date for ECE network management approved by Cabinet

COVID-19 information

  • Changes to isolation requirements
  • Letter templates
  • Novavax now available
  • First Aid qualifications

COVID-19 update – 8 March(external link)

  • Message from Iona

COVID-19 information

  • Temporary changes to operating conditions

COVID-19 update – 3 March(external link)

  • Message from Iona

COVID-19 information

  • Emergency closures for staffing issue
  • When should COVID-19 cases and contacts end their isolation?
  • Children returning from isolation as a household contact
  • Definition of household contacts and shared care arrangements
  • Letter templates for confirmed cases
  • Reminder: Accessing rapid antigen tests
  • Mataara: Update your emergency contact details
  • Novavax vaccine approved

Heads-up

  • Survey: Review of First Aid unit standards

COVID-19 update – 1 March(external link)

  • Message from Iona

COVID-19 information

  • Testing positive for COVID-19
  • What type of contact are you?
  • Recent High Court case regarding vaccination mandates
  • Help for whānau who are self-isolating
  • Reminder: EAP services
  • Discretionary situations

Heads-up

  • NELP we’re here to help
  • Financial reporting due 30 June 2022
  • Home-based educator qualification regulations
  • Update your subscription details

Clarification: Home-based booster requirements – 25 February(external link)

COVID-19 update – 24 February(external link)

  • Message from Iona

COVID-19 information

  • Information on moving to Phase 3
  • Communicating Phase 3 to parents and whānau
  • Reminder: Booster vaccine requirements
  • Updated: COVID-19 checklists
  • Discretionary hours increased to 80 hours

COVID-19 update – 22 February(external link)

  • Message from Iona

COVID-19 information

  • Rapid antigen test: Accessing kits for early learning services
  • Updated information on contact tracing
  • Guidance: Planning for staffing challenges in response to Omicron
  • Managing staff leave due to COVID-19
  • Extension to COVID-19 hardship assistance for whānau

Heads-up

  • First Aid Certificates

COVID-19 update – 17 February(external link)

  • Message from Iona

COVID-19 information

  • Update: Close Contact Exemption Scheme and rapid antigen testing
  • Contact tracing process for Phase 2
  • Supporting ITE graduates’ professional experience placements
  • Support for self-isolating households
  • Positive parenting during COVID-19

COVID-19 update – 15 February(external link)

  • Message from Iona

COVID-19 information

  • Close Contact Exemption Scheme and rapid antigen testing
  • Financial support for COVID-19 related leave
  • Support for cost of relief teachers
  • Omicron in the community: Phase 2 and what this means to you
  • Release letters and returning to early learning services after isolation

Heads-up

  • Pay Parity revenue and expenses survey
  • Survey: Communities of Learning | Kāhui Ako

COVID-19 information – 10 February(external link)

  • Message from Iona

COVID-19 information

  • Close contact exemptions
  • Booster dose scenarios and letter template
  • Information on mask exemptions
  • Unvaccinated parents in Playcentre
  • Updated advice on staying home when sick and getting tested

Heads-up

  • New ERO resource: Responding to Diverse Cultures: Good Practice in home-based Early Childhood Education

COVID-19 information – 8 February(external link)

  • Message from Iona

COVID-19 information

  • Update: Home-based guidance
    • Visiting teachers
    • Home-based playgroups
    • Funding advice: Unable to provide care due to COVID-19
  • Update: Traffic light guidance for certified playgroups

Heads-up

  • Strengthening early learning opportunities – applications open
  • TeachNZ Scholarships open

COVID-19 information – 3 February(external link)

  • Message from Iona

COVID-19 information

  • Update: Traffic light guidance for licensed early learning services
  • Home-based services at Red
  • Booster vaccination timeframes

Heads-up

  • Reminder RS7 return due in February
  • Targeted Funding for Disadvantaged
  • Home-based visiting teacher support payment
  • Submissions on network management proposals

COVID-19 information – 1 February(external link)

  • Message from Iona

COVID-19 information

  • Who should attend early learning services at Red?
  • Update: Managing cases of COVID-19 in early learning services

Heads-up

  • Class border exception changes
  • Pay parity revenue and expenses survey – March 2022
  • Electronic verification of attendance records
  • Reminder: New website for accessing bulletins

COVID-19 update – 27 January(external link)

  • Message from Iona

COVID-19 information

  • Mask guidance in early learning
  • Absence rules under Red
  • Advice for people with COVID-19
  • Care in the community: Financial help to buy food

Heads up

  • Pay parity reminder
  • Negative wash-up reimbursed on 21 March

COVID-19 update – 25 January(external link)

  • Preparing for Omicron
  • Key health measures under the framework
    • Vaccinations
    • Face masks
    • Case management and contact tracing
    • Events and activities
    • Pōwhiri
    • Distancing and grouping
    • Good hygiene and cleaning
    • Stay home if sick and get tested
  • Ventilation
  • Reviewing your COVID-19 plan
  • Plan for more disruption
  • Supporting children to return
  • Unvaccinated parents and caregivers
  • Misinformation, disinformation and abuse
  • Wellbeing supports
  • Care in the community
  • Public Health Order requiring mandatory booster doses
  • Testing
  • Letter template for parents and whānau
  • Relief funding (vaccine mandate)

COVID-19 update – 23 January(external link)

  • Message from Iona

Latest regular issue

He Pānui Kōhungahunga | The Early Learning Bulletin Issue 67 – 18 January(external link)

  • Message from Iona

Heads-up

  • Targeted Assistance for Participation funding – applications open

Need-to-know

  • Critical dates for March 2022 RS7 Return
  • March funding wash-up
  • Negative wash-up reimbursement process

Recent regular issues

 

He Pānui Kohungahunga | Early Learning Bulletin Issue 65 – 17 August 2021(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • A new resource!
  • Emergency checklist for closures due to COVID-19
  • Immigration and residency concerns update
  • Teacher’s Pay Equity Claim
  • Border Exception – Family Reunification
  • Free extra mentoring for beginning teachers/Kaiako
  • Curriculum and assessment changes
  • Regional News

He Pānui Kohungahunga | Early Learning Bulletin Issue 64 – 3 August 2021(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Changes to funding rules to respond to RSV outbreak
  • Targeted Funding for Disadvantage
  • Applications are now open for the Gifted Learners Awards
  • Childcare providers invited for COVID-19 contingency planning
  • Introducing the Curriculum Advisory Group
  • Free extra mentoring for beginning teachers/Kaiako
  • Learning Support Study Awards for Teachers and Kaiako in 2022
  • Upcoming consultation for the Early Learning Regulatory Review - tranche two proposals
  • Teacher Qualification Required for ECE Funding Purposes
  • Immigration and residency concerns
  • Education Gazette content freeze
  • Conduct regular safety checks
  • Financial declarations
  • 2021 ECE census

He Pānui Kohungahunga | Early Learning Bulletin Special Bulletin – 14 July 2021(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Tranche one licensing criteria amendments
  • Tranche one regulation amendments
  • RSV update
  • Discretionary hours increase

He Pānui Kohungahunga | Early Learning Bulletin Issue 63 – 6 July 2021(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Discretionary hours increased to 80 hours for education and care services
  • Class border exception for overseas teachers
  • 2021 ECE Census update
  • Financial reporting overdue
  • Kaseya VSA software information
  • A way for employers to work together on the teachers pay equity claim
  • 2019/20 Tō Kōrero – Mātauranga Motuhake I Learning Support Satisfaction Survey results and Next Survey
  • Matariki online resources 2021
  • Digital Early Learning Child Protection Resource
  • The Inter-Yeti online safety resource
  • Regional News

He Pānui Kohungahunga | Early Learning Bulletin Issue 61 – 8 June 2021(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • COVID-19 anti-vaccination misinformation
  • Preparing for ECE Census 2021
  • Extended recognition of grand-parented educators in home-based services
  • ERO Report Released – Science in the Early Years
  • No vaping/Smokefree stickers
  • Regional news

He Pānui Kohungahunga | Early Learning Bulletin Special Bulletin – 27 May 2021(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • A summary of funding changes announced in Budget 2021, including answers to key questions

He Pānui Kohungahunga | Early Learning Bulletin Issue 60 – 25 May 2021(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Budget 2021
  • Know your adult to child ratios
  • RS7 Return update
  • Discretionary hours reporting requirements
  • Financial reporting due 30 June 2021
  • Police vetting and safety checking
  • ‘No vaping’ notices
  • Te Whāriki Online website refreshed
  • Tapasā online resources
  • $5m for professional development using Tapasā
  • Te Rito rollout underway
  • Closing soon – public consultation on Aotearoa New Zealand’s histories draft curriculum content
  • Training Incentive Allowance extension available from 1 July 2021 until 1 January 2025

He Pānui Kohungahunga | Early Learning Bulletin Special Bulletin – 12 May 2021(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Government announcement of move towards pay parity for early learning teachers

He Pānui Kohungahunga | Early Learning Bulletin Issue 59 – 11 May 2021(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Public consultation on proposed changes to the Education and Training Act 2020
  • Curriculum Leads begin their mahi
  • Electronic funding notices
  • Funding Contact Details
  • The Frequent Absence Rule – a reminder
  • New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week
  • Bullying-Free New Zealand Week 17-21 May
  • Preparing for ECE Census 2021
  • EC3 assessment tool for home-based services now online
  • Regional news

He Pānui Kohungahunga | Early Learning Bulletin Issue 58 – 6 April 2021(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Vaping legislation
  • Teacher supply support available
  • Reminder about minimising food-related choking risks in early learning services
  • Prime Minister’s Awards

He Pānui Kohungahunga | Early Learning Bulletin Issue 57 – 23 March 2021(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • COVID-19 vaccine update
  • Planning for an emergency
  • Curriculum Advisory Group: Expressions of interest open
  • Pacific Education Funds – Second Round of Funding
  • TeachNZ scholarship programme 2021
  • Awards for teachers of gifted learners
  • RS7 Returns Reminder
  • Change of Service Provider
  • Privacy Act 2020
  • Electronic funding notices
  • Supporting student teachers on practical experience placements
  • Free video learning resources from ETV now available
  • Regional News

COVID-19 updates 2021

COVID-19 update – 21 December(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Support for cost of relief teachers
  • Update on vaccinations
  • Warning: Serious security vulnerability

COVID-19 update – 14 December(external link)

  • Message from Iona

Heads-up

  • Delays to new qualification requirements for home-based educators
  • Update on network management proposals
  • Change in the identity of licensed service providers
  • Licensing criteria guidance for NELP
  • Electronic verification of attendance records
  • Ā Mātou Kōrero | Our Stories series now available

COVID-19 information

  • Updated funding information
  • Rapid antigen testing for asymptomatic unvaccinated travellers over holiday period

COVID-19 update – 9 December(external link)

  • Message from Iona

COVID-19 information

  • Boundary exemption has been gazetted
  • COVID-19 resource toolkit
  • Information on wellbeing for staff

Heads-up

  • New website for Ministry pānui
  • New bill strengthens learner wellbeing and safety
  • Playgroup funding

COVID-19 update – 7 December(external link)

  • Message from Iona

Recently updated advice for early learning services:

  • Attendance at the Red setting

COVID-19 information

  • Travel across the Auckland boundary for children and staff
  • Changes to the Employment Relations Act
  • Updated: Traffic light guidance
  • Workforce wellbeing EAP services extended
  • Vaccine mandate: Fake Diplomatic ID cards

Heads-up

  • Recording absences over the Christmas holiday

COVID-19 update – 3 December(external link)

  • Message from Iona

Recently updated advice for early learning services:

  • Clarification of testing requirements
  • Advice around gatherings

COVID-19 information

  • Funding band protection: November 2021
  • Funding settings under the traffic light system

COVID-19 update – 1 December(external link)

  • Message from Iona

Recently updated advice for early learning services:

  • Parent-led services operating in the Red setting
  • Clarification of traveling across the Auckland border

COVID-19 information

  • Managing positive COVID-19 cases in early learning services
  • COVID-19 Protection Framework guidance for certified playgroups
  • Clarification: Children can attend more than one service at the Red setting

COVID-19 update – 29 November(external link)

  • Message from Iona

Recently updated advice for early learning services:

  • Funding for dual enrolment in Red Setting

COVID-19 information

  • COVID-19 Protection Framework letter template for parents and whānau
  • Operating under the COVID-19 Protection Framework
  • Funding update 2021 and 2022

COVID-19 update – 26 November(external link)

  • Message from Iona

Recently updated advice for early learning services:

  • Playgroups and the Vaccination Health Order

COVID-19 information

  • Information about the COVID-19 Protection Framework
  • COVID-19 Protection Framework guidance
  • Update: Travel across Alert Level 3 boundaries
  • Translated information for parents and whānau
  • AstraZeneca now available

Heads-up

  • Changes coming: Children’s names and dates of birth

COVID-19 update – 22 November(external link)

  • Message from Iona

COVID-19 information

  • Update on saliva testing for Alert Level 3
  • Funding reminders – EC12 exemption

COVID-19 update – 19 November(external link)

  • Message from Iona

Heads-up

  • November 2021 advance funding will not be clawed back in March 2022

COVID-19 information

  •  Information about My Vaccine Pass

COVID-19 update – 18 November(external link)

  • Message from Iona

COVID-19 information

  • FAQ: Are offsite providers required to be vaccinated?
  • Waikato: Information for Alert Level 2
  • Guidance for responding to situations involving strong views and big emotions

Heads up

  • First aid qualifications

COVID-19 update – 12 November(external link)

  • Message from Iona

COVID-19 information

  • Vaccines available under the mandatory vaccination Public Health Order
  • Get in touch if you have concerns about meeting your staffing requirements
  • ERO staff on your early learning service site

COVID-19 update – 11 November(external link)

  • Message from Iona

COVID-19 information

  • Managing employment processes after 15 November
  • AstraZeneca vaccine information and availability
  • Travelling across boundaries

Heads-up

  • EC12 exemption for children not attending under Alert Level 3
  • EC12 application for affected parts of the Waikato region

COVID-19 update – 10 November(external link)

  • Message from Iona

COVID-19 information

  • Health and safety assessment: Information on vaccine requirements
  • Key dates for the vaccination requirements
  • Vaccination requirement – letter template for parents, caregivers and whānau
  • Learning Support specialist staff at Alert Level 3

Heads-up

  • Delay in commencement of qualification requirements for home-based educators
  • Resetting timelines for gazetting Te Whāriki

C(external link)OVID-19 update – 8 November(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Medical exemptions for vaccinations
  • Update: Saliva Testing in Auckland and Waikato at Alert Level 3
  • Immunisation Advisory Centre: Vaccine information and resources
  • Auckland at Alert Level 3 Step 2
  • Upper Northland: Information for Alert Level 2
  • Class border exception applications

COVID-19 update – 5 November(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • What to do if there is a case of COVID-19 in your early learning service
  • Increased bubble size – Alert Level 3 Step 2 for Auckland and Waikato
  • Process for working through teacher shortages 
  • Clarification: Table of required vaccinations
  • Vaccination requirements for Ministry staff on your site
  • Now online: COVID-19 videos with Dr Michelle ‘Nanogirl’ Dickinson
  • Publication of responses to the Attestation of Certificated Teachers’ Salaries
  • Now open: TeachNZ career changer scholarships

COVID-19 update – 3 November(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Application of mandatory vaccination requirements for various roles
  • Webinar tonight: Pregnancy and the vaccine
  • Pay equity claim updates
  • Whānau in-home learning programme tender opportunity on GETS

COVID-19 update – 1 November(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Required Vaccinations Order employment diagram
  • Saliva testing available in Alert level 3
  • Financial support for struggling families
  • Digital early learning child protection resource
  • ECE funding payment

COVID-19 update – 28 October(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Information about the COVID-19 Required Vaccinations Order
  • Questions and answers about the COVID-19 Required Vaccinations Order

COVID-19 update – 27 October(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Public Health Order on vaccinations
  • Testing requirements
  • Parts of Waikato at Alert Level 3
  • Outdoor equipment at Alert Level 3

COVID-19 update – 22 October(external link)

  • Enhanced Business Support package announced
  • Parts of Waikato remain at Alert Level 3
  • Open windows and doors will help ventilate rooms
  • Licence applications and amendments for services in Alert Level 3
  • Vaccine letter template for parents, caregivers and whānau
  • He wero, he wānanga: A virtual wānanga about COVID-19

COVID-19 update – 21 October(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Why get vaccinated
  • Addressing vaccine misinformation in your community
  • Education workers are eligible for priority vaccinations
  • Working through vaccine hesitancy
  • Information and translations about the vaccine for parents and whānau
  • Prioritising testing for the education workforce
  • Where to get tested
  • Reminder: My COVID record
  • Reminder for use of partitions in Alert Level 3

COVID-19 update – 19 October(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Public Health Testing Order
  • Employer obligations
  • Employee obligations
  • Non-compliance with the Order
  • Questions and answers about the Required Testing Order

COVID-19 update – 18 October(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Cabinet's decisions this afternoon
  • Northland will return to Alert Level 2
  • Auckland and parts of Waikato remain at Alert Level 3
  • Accessing your vaccination record
  • Pay parity staffing survey
  • Testing requirements for construction sites

COVID-19 update – 15 October(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Vaccine and testing register
  • Clarification on mandatory testing requirements for Alert Level 3
  • Being fully vaccinated
  • Where to get tested
  • Early learning regulatory consultation extended

COVID-19 update – 14 October(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Advice on the mandatory vaccination and testing requirements
  • Vaccination and testing requirements for home- based services
  • Updated frequently asked questions on vaccination and testing
  • Northland: E12 exemption for children not attending under Alert Level 3
  • Financial reporting overdue
  • New session: Dr Michelle Dickinson webinars
  • Getting your COVID-19 test results
  • Vaccination register

COVID-19 update – 13 October(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Northland and parts of Waikato remain at Alert Level 3
  • Vaccination and testing suggested staff notice
  • Super Saturday: Get vaccinated
  • Tonight: Vaccination live chat
  • Wellbeing information and tips
  • New lullaby to support baby and whānau
  • PLD-supported trial: Kōwhiti Whakapae 

COVID-19 update – 12 October(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Mandatory vaccination requirements
  • Vaccination registers needs to be kept
  • Mandatory testing for Alert Level 3 areas by 26 October
  • Mandatory ongoing testing at Alert Level 3
  • Maximum bubble sizes still in place for all Alert Level 3 areas
  • Pick-ups and drop-offs
  • Distance learning in Auckland, Tai Tokerau and Waikato
  • Guidance on pay parity

COVID-19 update – 11 October(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Mandatory testing for Alert Level 3 regions
  • Mandatory vaccinations for employees
  • Partitions to keep bubbles separate
  • Translations for Alert Level 3
  • FAQ: What can we say about vaccinations?
  • Vaccination webinars with Dr Michelle ‘Nanogirl’ Dickinson

COVID-19 update – 8 October(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Alert Level 3 guidance
  • Alert Level 3 letter and translations
  • Who should be on site at Alert Level 3?
  • Alert Level 3 boundaries

 COVID-19 update – 7 October(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Recently updated advice for early learning services
  • Homebased services operating across Alert Level 2 and 3
  • Centres in Alert Level 2 with staff in Alert Level 3
  • Reforming bubbles
  • Management of bubbles
  • COVID-19 tests for staff
  • Frequency of COVID-19 testing
  • Saliva tests
  • When to return to work after a routine COVID-19 surveillance test
  • Fund settings Alert Level 4 and 3

 COVID-19 update – 5 October(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Increasing tamariki at Auckland services
  • Accommodating an increase in tamariki
  • Masks at drop-off and pick up
  • Homebased services at Alert Level 3
  • Regular COVID testing for early childhood staff
  • Alert Level 3 boundary exemptions
  • Waikato: EC12 exemption for children not attending under Alert Level 3
  • Funding reminders
  • Te Rito Maioha: Open week

 COVID-19 update – 4 October(external link)

  • Message from Iona

 COVID-19 update – 3 October(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Alert Level 3 guidance
  • Alert Level 3 letter template and translations
  • Who should be on site in Alert Level 3
  • Alert Level 3 boundaries
  • Where to get tested

 COVID-19 update – 30 September(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Changes to QR scanning code requirements
  • Permitted travel across the Alert Level 3/2 boundary
  • PLD opportunity: Pito Mata (Realising Potential)
  • PLD-supported trial: Kōwhiti Whakapae
  • Draft licensing criteria guidance for NELP

 COVID-19 update – 28 September(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Supporting staff to get vaccinated
  • Online information hui for tranche two proposals of the Early Learning Regulatory Review 
  • Awards for teachers of gifted learners: Applications open

 COVID-19 update – 24 September(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Travel for children and staff from an Alert Level 4 or 3 area
  • Staying home if sick

 COVID-19 update – 21 September(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Auckland attendance at Alert Level 3
  • Staff at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19
  • Communicating about the need for vaccinations

 COVID-19 update – 20 September(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Alert Level 3 guidance
  • Going on site to prepare for the alert level change
  • Funding for the Auckland [and Waikato] region in October
  • Travel across alert level boundaries
  • RS7 Return update
  • Home-Based Visiting Teacher Support Payment
  • TESSOL scholarships 2022

 COVID-19 update – 15 September(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Update on Pay Parity
  • We invite your feedback on the tranche two proposals for the Early Learning Regulatory Review
  • MSD financial assistance tool – for your community

 COVID-19 update – 14 September(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Auckland: Planning for Alert Level 3

 COVID-19 update – 13 September(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Privacy concerns about contact tracing registers

 COVID-19 update – 10 September(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Access to education in different alert levels
  • Three new ERO resources
  • Early intervention study awards

 COVID-19 update – 8 September(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Priority vaccination for education workers
  • Going to work when you live with someone who is at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or has underlying health conditions
  • Tranche two proposals for the Early Learning Regulatory Review
  • Weekly attendance data

 COVID-19 update – 7 September(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Alert Level 2 guidance material
  • Face coverings in early learning environments
  • Funding arrangements for early learning services at Alert Level 2
  • Supporting staff at Alert Level 2

 COVID-19 update – 6 September(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Change to the way you access the Early Learning Information system

 COVID-19 update – 3 September(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Clarification on funding arrangements in Alert Level 3
  • How our Alert Level guidance is developed

 COVID-19 update – 2 September(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Northland moving to Alert Level 3
  • Alert Level 3 Translations
  • Ministry licensing activity under COVID restrictions
  • Education Support Workers in Alert Level 3 and 4

 COVID-19 update – 1 September(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Alert Level 3 funding change for quality-funded home-based services
  • Clarification – using the text tool Mataara for attendance data
  • First Aid qualifications
  • Education Gazette: a digital edition

 COVID-19 update – 31 August(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Face coverings at early learning services at Alert Level 3
  • Funding arrangements for early learning services at Alert Level 3

 COVID-19 update – 30 August(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Attendance at Alert Level 3
  • Opening your service at Alert Level 3
  • Expansion of Childcare for Workers of Alert Level 4 Business or Services Scheme to include OSCAR providers
  • Managing and supporting staff at Alert Level 3
  • Alert Level boundary map now live
  • Advice on vandalism

 COVID-19 update – 29 August(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Planning for alert level change
  • Who can access school and early learning services at Alert level 3?
  • General guidance for Alert Level 3
  • Supporting staff at Alert Level 3
  • Ventilating early learning spaces
  • Travel across alert levels

 COVID-19 update – 27 August(external link)

  • Message from Iona

 COVID-19 update – 26 August(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Current Alert Level 3 guidance
  • Paying relievers
  • Supporting staff at Alert Level 3

 COVID-19 update – 25 August(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Kia Manawaroa: Information hub for whānau Māori
  • Early Learning Services with Teacher Aides and Education Support Workers funded by ACC
  • Learning Support remains available

 COVID-19 update – 24 August(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Mandatory requirement for contact tracing and QR codes
  • Workforce wellbeing EAP services
  • Further information on wellbeing
  • More places to get help
  • Children turning five or six
  • Home Learning update

 COVID-19 update – 23 August(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Childcare for workers in Alert Level 4 businesses and services
  • Play areas in early learning services
  • Access to food or essential items
  • Useful information
  • Distance learning at Alert Level 4

 COVID-19 update – 20 August(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • What to do if your centre has a confirmed case of COVID-19
  • Supporting your staff
  • Readying for Alert Level 3
  • MSD childcare subsidy payments
  • Keep up the great work

 COVID-19 update – 20 August(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Accessing premises

 COVID-19 update – 19 August(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Why we’re in Alert Level 4
  • Testing for COVID-19
  • Childcare for workers in Alert Level 4 businesses and services
  • Fees paid by parents/caregivers
  • Continue to pay your contractors

 COVID-19 update – 18 August(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • New face covering requirements
  • Locations of interest – rapidly growing
  • COVID information for Pacific communities
  • 10 things you need to know about Alert Level 4
  • Accessing premises
  • Childcare services for essential workers
  • Agencies you can contact for assistance

 COVID-19 update – 17 August(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Funding arrangements for early learning services at Alert Level 4
  • Distance Learning – Alert Level 4
  • Locations of interest
  • More information

COVID-19 update – 29 June(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • COVID-19 update - all of NZ at Alert Level 1

 COVID-19 update – 27 June(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • COVID-19 update – Wellington stays at Level 2, rest of NZ at Level 1

 COVID-19 update – 24 June(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Guidance for early learning services on staff matters at Alert Level 2

 COVID-19 update – 23 June(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Alert Level 2 in Wellington

 COVID-19 update – 9 April(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Staff undertaking travel to Australia from 19 April
  • COVID-19 diagnosis while travelling or upon return to New Zealand
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Programme

 COVID-19 update – 9 March(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • COVID-19 vaccination programme
  • Playgroup Operational Funding round is open and available through ERS
  • Financial Reporting requirements for the year ending in 2020
  • RS7 Return update
  • Electronic funding notices
  • Funding and COVID-19 alert levels - Friendly Reminder
  • Financial Reporting due 30 June 2021
  • Talking together, Te kōrerorero oral language tool – hard copy resources
  • Survey on the stocktake of early learning resources
  • Access to family violence services

 COVID-19 update – 5 March(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Reminder information
  • Swimming at Alert Level 2
  • Excursions at Alert Level 2

 COVID-19 update – 5 March(external link)

  • Update from Secretary for Education
  • Letter template for services

 COVID-19 update – 1 March(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Services (other than playcentres and playgroups) remain physically open for some children at Alert Level 3
  • Alert Level 2 – Staff and children returning from Auckland
  • Charging parent fees at Alert Level 3
  • Essential links for quick reference

 COVID-19 update – 28 February(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Early learning services at Alert Level 3
  • Funding arrangements for early learning services at Alert Level 3
  • Business Support
  • Supporting staff at Alert Level 3
  • Contactless pick-ups of resources in Alert Level 3
  • Early learning services at Alert Level 2
  • Funding arrangements for early learning services at Alert Level 2
  • Business Support
  • Supporting staff at Alert Level 2

 COVID-19 update – 23 February(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • COVID-19 update

 COVID-19 update – 23 February(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Auckland alert level change and face coverings
  • Make learning unstoppable
  • New rules for quality funded home-based services
  • March funding wash-up
  • Electronic funding notices
  • Changing SMS vendors
  • Updating funding contacts
  • Minimising food-related choking risks first-aid contribution
  • Have your say on the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 Information Sharing Provisions
  • Enhanced Induction and Mentoring Programme
  • Entries for the 2021 Prime Minister’s Awards are now open
  • The second round of applications for the Early Learning Sustainability Fund is now open
  • Vaping regulations consultation
  • Regional News

 COVID-19 update – 18 February(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Face coverings on public transport

 COVID-19 update – 17 February(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • People leaving managed isolation
  • People keep sending your weekly attendance data
  • Funding arrangements – recording absences
  • Template letters for your parent and whānau

 COVID-19 update – 15 February(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Early Learning Services remain open at Alert level 3
  • Funding arrangements for early learning services at alert level 3
  • Supporting staff at alert level 3
  • Contactless pick-ups of resources in Alert level 3
  • After school programmes
  • Who needs to stay away in Alert level 2 regions
  • Supporting staff at Alert Level 2

 COVID-19 update – 14 February(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Update on COVID-19 Alert Levels

 COVID-19 update – 9 February(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Minimising food-related choking risks and vegetable gardens/ fruit trees in early learning services
  • Consultation closing soon – tranche one of the early learning regulatory system review
  • Summer temperatures – plan to keep children comfortable
  • Te Ahu o te Reo Māori registrations now open
  • New dual language e-books in Pacific languages – Pasifika Early Literacy Project (PELP)
  • Changes to NZ Relay services
  • Aotearoa New Zealand’s Histories
  • Gifted Awards applications open
  • Survey on the stocktake of early learning resources

 COVID-19 update – 28 January(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • COVID-19 update

 COVID-19 update – 27 January(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • Ministry of Health media release

 COVID-19 update – 22 January(external link)

  • Message from Iona
  • COVID-19 in 2021
  • Reminder about minimising food-related choking risks in early learning services
  • Funding rates for 100% certificated teachers
  • Critical dates for the RS7 Return due February 2021
  • March ECE funding Wash-up
  • Electronic Funding Notices
  • Reporting deadline for targeted funding for disadvantage
  • Home-Based Visiting Teacher Support Payment
  • Playgroup Operational Funding available through the ERS
  • Review of the early learning regulatory system consultation
  • COVID-19 Urgent Response Fund (URF)

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