He Pānui Kōhungahunga: The Early Learning Bulletin

28 February 2021

• 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

23 February 2021

• COVID-19 update

23 February 2021

• 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

18 February 2021

• Face coverings on public transport

17 February 2021

• People leaving managed isolation

• People keep sending your weekly attendance data

• Funding arrangements – recording absences

• Template letters for your parent and whānau

15 February 2021

• 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

14 February 2021

• Update on COVID-19 Alert Levels

9 February 2021

• 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

28 January 2021

• COVID-19 update

27 January 2021

• Ministry of Health Media Release

22 January 2021

• 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)

8 December 2020

• Minimising food-related choking risks in early learning services

• Review of the early learning regulatory system consultation underway

1 December 2020

• New Privacy Act takes effect 1 December

• 1 March ECE funding

• 2021 Calendar of key dates for ECE funding

• Recording Christmas holiday closures

• Targeted funding for disadvantage reporting deadline

• Discretionary hours reporting requirements

• High-quality early learning education matters

• Teacher recruitment 2021 and NZ border

• Further information on appraisal in early learning services

• Regional News

24 November 2020

• Gastroenteritis outbreaks

• Privacy Act changes take effect 1 December

• Free Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine

• Appraisal in Early Learning Services

• Targeted funding for disadvantage reporting deadline

• Discretionary situations for parent/whānau-led services - reminder

• RS7 resubmissions

• TeachNZ scholarship programme 2021

• Enhanced Induction and Mentoring Programme

• Supporting New Zealand’s COVID-19 response

• Meeting adult:child ratios

17 November 2020

• Update on the Statement of National Education and Learning Priorities (NELP)

• Face covering on public transport

• RFP on cultural capability

• Playground equipment safety alert – Springer ride ons

• Negative wash-up reimbursement process - reminder

• Regional News

13 November 2020

• Information about the recent community transfer case in Auckland

12 November 2020

• Update about the recent community transfer case

10 November 2020

• Teacher recruitment

• Pay equity claim raised in early learning sector

• Fire safety and conserving water

• Te Ahu o te Reo Māori – National Delivery 2021

• Healthy Active Learning Evaluation

3 November 2020

• Upcoming legislative changes to vaping

• Friendly Funding Reminders

• EAP services for Auckland workforce wellbeing update

• Publication of online oral language resource, Talking together, Te kōrerorero

• Norovirus outbreaks multiply in Auckland’s early learning services

• Early Learning Payment and Guaranteed Childcare Assistance Payment

• Regional News

27 October 2020

• 15 March 2019 Christchurch lockdown review outcomes

• COVID-19 checklist for urgent service closures

• Learning Support Satisfaction Survey

• Royal Commission into Historic Abuse in Care

• Stick to cold drinks while working with children

• Sun Safety

20 October 2020

• Pacific Education Innovation and Support Funds: application closing dates

• Early Learning Sustainability Fund – applications close end of October

• Reallocation of funding to bolster domestic teacher recruitment

• Update on COVID-19 for our NZ Pacific community

• 100% Certificated Teachers Funding Rates

• Funding reminders – November payment

• Electronic funding advice notices

• Privacy Act changes may affect your ECE

• Childcare Assistance – information from the Ministry of Social Development

• New Curriculum Lead positions advertised

• Hazard Management – children’s fingers

• Action Plan for Pacific Education

5 October 2020

• Key messages from the Prime Minister’s announcement

• Visiting teacher support payment

• 10 things to know about Alert Level 1

• Review of the early learning regulatory system underway

• RS7 Return update

• Financial Reporting Overdue

• Reminder: applications are open for the Early Learning Sustainability Fund

• Tools to support formative assessment and teaching practice

• When & how to report incidents to WorkSafe

• Copies of the Action Plan for Pacific Education available now

• Learning together/ Te ako ngātahi

21 September 2020

• Key messages from the Prime Minister’s COVID-19 announcement

• 10 things you need to know about Alert Level 1

• Letter templates for parents and caregivers

• Updates to ECE Funding Handbook

• Funding reminders

• New Zealand Sign Language week

• Next digital Education Gazette

14 September 2020

• Prime Minister’s announcement on Alert Levels

• Reminder — 10 things you need to know about Alert Level 2

• Early Learning Sustainability Fund

• Navigating a sea of information safely

• Eligibility for free COVID-19 diagnosis, testing & treatment

• Day 12 testing for close contacts

• Curriculum wellbeing leads

• Changes to conditions for entry into New Zealand

10 September 2020

• Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori 2020 | Māori Language Week 2020

• Learning Support Study Awards

• He Pikorua now live – new practice framework for learning support

• ShakeOut 2020

• Free Apple (PLS) workshops for ECE teachers

8 September 2020

• 2019 Complaints and Incidents Report now available

• Weekly attendance information really matters!

• New website for employment, education and training services

• Replacement of Te Kete Ipurangi (TKI)

• Government e-bike scheme

4 September 2020

• Cabinet decision on COVID Alert Levels
• More about the Urgent Response Fund
• Caring for communities
• Mental wellbeing for your community
• Call for Engaging Priority Families providers
• Call for supported playgroup proposals

1 September 2020

• Auckland Regional Public Health Advice

• Contact tracing and self-isolation
• Cleaning of sleep furniture and bedding
• A reminder on managing staff leave at Alert Level 2

28 August 2020

• 10 things you need to know about Alert Level 2

• Common questions

• Yesterday's letter template for parents translated to other languages

27 August 2020

• Face coverings update

• FAQs -Face coverings in education settings

• Childcare Assistance — information from MSD

• Returning to early learning

• Letter template for parents — Auckland

• Letter template for parents — remainder of New Zealand

• Funding updates

25 August 2020

• Face coverings

• Alert level 3 — Auckland regional boundary restrictions

24 August 2020

• Alert Level 2: Health and Safety
• What has changed?
• Alert Level 2: Managing the impact of reduced attendance rates
• Alert Level 2: Information for early learning services
• Alert Level 2: Specific information for certificated playgroups
• Letter template for parents (Auckland)
• Letter template for parents (all of NZ except Auckland)
• Resource kits
• Home Learning TV

21 August 2020

• COVID-19 Resurgence Wage Subsidy
• COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Extension
• Dangerous rumour circulating once more
• Negative wash up reimbursement process
• Auckland travel exemptions

19 August 2020

• Urgent Response Fund 
• 'Close' and 'casual' contacts
• If a confirmed case is linked to your service
• Advice for parents and your community
• Resources for COVID-19 support
• COVID-19 and wellbeing

18 August 2020

• Auckland entry/exit exemptions
• Resource kits for early learning services
• Looking after your teachers
• Clarity around COVID-19 test and treatment

15 August 2020

• Public health measures for Alert Levels 2 and 3

• Managing the impact of reduced attendance rates

• Alert Level 2 information for licensed early learning services

• Alert Level 3 information for licensed early learning services and playgroups

• Face coverings

• Distance learning

• Taking the temperature of children and staff when they arrive

• Supporting staff

14 August 2020

• Message from the Secretary of Education

13 August 2020

• Funding arrangements 
• Charging parent fees at Alert Level 3
• Contact tracing
• If there are cases connected with your early learning service
• Face covering
• Quick link to our full COVID-19 guidance and parent information

12 August 2020

12 August 2020 Early Learning Bulletin(external link)

• Auckland region (Alert Level 3)
• All of New Zealand excluding Auckland region (Alert Level 2)
• Masks
• QR code posters

11 August 2020

11 August 2020 Early Learning Bulletin(external link)

• Preparing for a resurgence of COVID-19
• Reform of the Tomorrow's Schools system in the COVID-19 context
• 2020 ECE Census
• Teaching Council — Hapori Matatū / endorsements / sharing information
• Apply for gifted learners awards
• Injuries & incidents procedure updates
• EC1/EC8 application forms now online
• Two updated inclusive education guides

4 August 2020

4 August 2020 Early Learning Bulletin(external link)

• QR entrance codes
• Applications for Urgent Response Fund
• Negative wash-ups
• ECE financial reporting due
• Engaging Priority Families (EPF)

28 July 2020

28 July 2020 Early Learning Bulletin(external link)

• Education Training Bill soon to be law
• Home-based updates
• 50% ECE qualification requirements
• Person responsible counts towards ratio requirements
• COVID-19 Testing 
• Responding to new COVID-19 cases
• ECE Remuneration Survey
• Māori Education Strategies 
• Fund for Māori storytelling
• Action Plan for Pacific Education 2020-2030
• Learning Support Satisfaction Survey
• Learning Support Study Awards
• ShakeOut 2020
• New WorkSafe induction video

3 July 2020

3 July 2020 Early Learning Bulletin(external link)

• 2020 Wellbeing Budget Package 
• Bulletin update

30 June

30 June 2020 Early Learning Bulletin(external link)

• Home Learning | Papa Kāinga TV ends Friday 3 July
• Border exemption requests
• Online privacy course
• ECE & RS61 Returns due July 15

25 June

25 June 2020 Early Learning Bulletin(external link)

• Revised guidance on testing for COVID-19
• How to respond to cases in your community
• 'Getting Through Together' resources
• Netsafe Live PLD
• 2020 PM Education Excellence Awards cancelled
• Making sure you have the correct ratios

23 June

23 June 2020 Early Learning Bulletin(external link)

• COVID-19: Cases linked to your service
• Funding Handbook update 
• Standardised Learning Support Register (sLSR)
• Reminder about flu vaccinations

16 June

16 June 2020 Early Learning Bulletin(external link)

• Two new cases announced today
• 1 July funding reminders
• Increased funding for certificated playgroups
• Proposed amendments to Education and Training Bill

11 June

11 June 2020 Early Learning Bulletin(external link)

• More on the 100% funding band
• Home Learning | Papa Kāinga TV
• Mauri Reo, Mauri Ora will end
• New COVID-19 website
• Financial reporting for multiple licences

8 June

8 June 2020 Early Learning Bulletin(external link)

• Alert Level 1 guidance
• QR code posters

4 June

4 June 2020 Early Learning Bulletin(external link)

• Alert Level 1 guidance
• 2020 ECE Census
• Talanoa Ako app
• Financial reporting extended to 31 August
• Childcare assistance payments
• Staff flu vouchers still available
• ‘Keep it Real Online’ campaign

2 June

2 June 2020 Early Learning Bulletin(external link)

• Illnesses versus allergies
• Increase in gathering size
• Discretionary hours continue at 60 hours

28 May

28 May 2020 Early Learning Bulletin(external link)

• Gathering size increase
• Budget 2020: improving teacher pay
• QR codes for early learning services
• RS7 Return update
• Financial reporting requirements for 2019
• Hand sanitiser – last orders by 10 June

26 May

26 May 2020 Early Learning Bulletin(external link)

• Funding update
• Identifying and reporting family harm
• Contact tracing apps
• COVID-19 information for disabled people and their whānau

21 May

21 May 2020 Early Learning Bulletin(external link)

• NZ COVID Tracer App
• Taking the temperature of children/staff
• Budget 2020: education and care
• Minimum salaries for certificated teachers
• Level 2 staffing survey
• Weekly attendance data collection
• Kindness for Kaiako
• Online learning resources 
• New children's song resource
• Preparing for the 2020 ECE Census

20 May

20 May 2020 Early Learning Bulletin(external link)

• NZ COVID Tracer app

19 May

Special Edition 19  May 2020 - COVID-19 update(external link)(external link)

• Budget 2020: 100% funding band restored
• Wellbeing webinar

15 May

Special Edition 15  May 2020 - COVID-19 update(external link)(external link)

• Alert Level 2 teaching/learning - guidance for leaders
• Wellbeing webinars

14 May

Special Edition 14  May 2020 - COVID-19 update(external link)(external link)

• Budget 2020: Kōhanga reo
• Early learning attendance & engagement
• Alert Level 2 advice for parents & whānau
• Wellbeing webinars
• Alert Level 2 guidance documents updates
• Attendance data now weekly
• Alert Level 2 licensing activity
• Flu vaccinations and reimbursement

12 May

Special Edition 12  May 2020 - COVID-19 update(external link)(external link)

• Early learning attendance & engagement
• Welcoming teachers and children back
• Minister’s pre budget announcement
• Resource kits
• Informal playgroups
• Ministry of Social Development update
• Alert Level 2 guidance documents updates

11 May

Special Edition 11  May 2020 - COVID-19 update(external link)(external link)

• Announcement on Alert Level 2
• Response to initial questions on Alert Level 2
• WorkSafe information for Alert Level 2

8 May

Special Edition 8    May 2020 - COVID-19 update(external link)(external link)

• Update on the Childcare Subsidy
• Ministry funded flu vaccination vouchers available
• Alert Level 2 guidance documents
• Home Learning TV extended

7 May

Special Edition 7    May 2020 - COVID-19 update(external link)

• Key messages from the Prime Minister 
• Welcoming staff and children back
• Public Health Statement for the Education Sector
• Alert Level 2 for early learning services
• Alert Level 2 funding
• Guidance on staff matters
• COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme
• Learning Support

5 May

Special Edition 5    May 2020 - COVID-19 update(external link)(external link)

• Planning for Alert Level 2
• Services looking to open soon
• Hand sanitiser update
• Covid-19 On-site Student Log not required
• Childcare for essential workers initiative
• Distance learning supports

1 May

Special Edition 1    May 2020 - COVID-19 update(external link)

• Planning for Alert Level 2
• Daily COVID-19 check-in process
• Warrant of Fitness for buildings
• New enrolment agreement forms not required
• Hand sanitiser use, storage, delivery
• Good employment practice
• Playgroups
• Interview with a teacher
• Letter template for your community
• Next digital Education Gazette

28 April

Special Edition 28    April 2020 - COVID-19 update(external link)

• Ministry-funded flu vaccinations
• Adults and staff movement
• Alert Level 3 guidance now online
• Updates from MSD
• Update on hand sanitiser
• Learning Support
• Update on changing hours of operation

24 April

Special Edition 24    April 2020 - COVID-19 update(external link)

• Change of operating hours during Alert Level 3
• Changes to the Regulations to respond to COVID-19
• Alert Level 3 Checklist
• Combining services on a single site
• Recording who attends
• First Aid qualifications
• Children with Learning Support Needs at Alert Level 3
• Further advice on the operation of your service
• Teacher only days
• Study awards for further study in TESSOL
• Site poster for parents and visitors
• Sparklers at Home wellbeing toolkit

23 April

Special Edition 23    April 2020 - COVID-19 update(external link)

• Advice on the operation of your service
• Childcare assistance - information from MSD
• Update on date for supply of hand sanitiser

22 April

Special Edition 22    April 2020 - COVID-19 update(external link)

• ECE operational funding FAQs
• Supporting your staff
• Home learning kits for children
• Bubble size clarification

21 April

Special Edition 21    April 2020 - COVID-19 update(external link)

• Control measures to deliver COVID-19 strategies
• Accessing hand sanitiser
• Site preparation update
• Watching home learning | Papa Kāinga TV
• Childcare payment for essential worker childcare providers

20 April

Special Edition 20    April 2020 - COVID-19 update(external link)

• Preparations for moving into Alert Level 3

17 April

Special Edition 17   April 2020 - COVID-19 update (external link)

• What Alert 3 could look like for schools and early learning services   reopening – Director-General of Health’s message

16 April

Special Edition 16   April 2020 - COVID-19 update (external link)

• What Alert 3 could look like for NZ – Prime Minister’s message

14 April

Special Edition 14   April 2020 - COVID-19 update (external link)

• Support and resources for learning from home

9 April

Special Edition 9   April 2020 - COVID-19 update (external link)

• Timeline for Alert Level decisions
• Cyber safety, emergency phone numbers, FAQs available

7 April

Special Edition 7   April 2020 - COVID-19 update (external link)

• If children are due to enrol in school
• COVID-19 wage subsidy – more on who makes the claim for relief workers
• Great stories from services connecting with homes

 2 April

Special Edition 2   April 2020 - COVID-19 update (external link)

• Wellbeing + welfare support during Alert 4
• MSD childcare subsidy no longer available
• Visiting teachers and completing license applications not possible in Alert Level 4
• Visiting a service to feed pets
• Rent and parent fees
• Legal advice for businesses

30 March

Special Edition 30   March 2020 – COVID-19 and employment relationships (external link)

• ECE funding subsidy paid as usual
• COVID-19 wage subsidy details
• Term break doesn’t affect early learning services
• Employment matters, annual leave, disputes
• Parent fees
• Private home-based care arrangements

28 March

Special Edition 28   March 2020 – COVID-19 update (external link)

• COVID-19 wage subsidy – who makes the claim for relief workers

27 March

Special Edition 27   March 2020 – COVID-19 update (external link)

• COVID-19 info videos available in other languages
• In-home care arrangements for essential/non-essential workers

26 March

Special Edition 26   March 2020 – COVID-19 update (external link)

• Key dates March-April
• Key Alert 4 principles
• COVID-19 wage subsidy
• Education Secretary’s new powers
• Websites for COVID-19 info

25 March

Special Edition 25   March 2020 – COVID-19 update (external link) (external link)

• Provision of childcare for essential workers

24 March

Special Edition 24   March 2020 – COVID-19 update following Government lockdown announcement (external link)

• Parent fees
• ECE funding subsidy details
• COVID-19 wage subsidy details
• Self-isolating groups and good hygiene

23 March

Special Edition 23   March 2020 – Moving to Alert Level 3 and then Level 4  (external link)

• Prime Minister announces a move from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 3   then 4
• Letter to send to your community

21 March

Special Edition 21   March 2020 – COVID-19 update (external link)

• Principles of Alert Level 2: non-essential travel, people aged 70+, people with compromised immune systems

20 March

Special Edition 20   March 2020 – COVID-19 update (external link)

• Keep children in a regular routine
• Cleaning guidelines
• What if services close?

19 March

Special Edition 19   March 2020 – COVID-19 update (external link)

• Rules on gatherings do not apply to early learning services
• Case of COVID-19 in a school
• Procedure for closing a school/service
• When is ‘sick’, sick?
• Letter for your community

17 March

Special Edition 17   March 2020 – COVID-19 update and FAQs (external link)

• $12.1b Economic Response package
• Self-isolation requirements for arrivals to NZ
• Current ECE regulations continue

12 March

Special Edition 12   March 2020 – Coronavirus update  (external link)

• COVID-19 classified a pandemic
• How to talk to children about COVID-19
• Letter for your community

6 March

Special Edition 6   March 2020 – Coronavirus update  (external link)

• Fourth confirmed case linked to NZ schools
• Misinformation on social media
• Ministry of Health’s comprehensive pandemic plan
• Seek medical attention if you are sick
• Support for victims of racial abuse
• Letter for your community

5 March #2

Special Edition 5   March 2020 – Case 3 COVID-19 announced today (external link)

• Schools and services still open
• WHO update on COVID-19
• Good hygiene

5 March #1

Special Edition 5 March 2020 – COVID-19   update (external link)

• Third COVID-19 case linked to NZ schools

3 March

Special Edition 3   March 2020 – COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) update  (external link)

• Travelling advice
• Good hygiene tips for children

18 February

Special Edition 18   February 2020 – Novel coronavirus update (external link)

• Border restrictions
• Links to support organisations for victims of abuse

5 February

Special Edition 5   February 2020 –  Further information regarding the novel   coronavirus  (external link)

• Health guidance updates
• How to deal with racist behaviour
• Student visas

31 January

Special Edition 31   January 2020 – Updated advice on Novel coronavirus (external link)

• Travellers from China

27 January

Special Edition 27   January 2020 – Coronavirus message from the Education Secretary (external link)

• COVID-19 evolving internationally
• Specific nature of the virus unclear
• Those who may have been exposed or have symptoms should self-isolate