He Pānui Kōhungahunga | The Early Learning Bulletin

The latest editions of our digital newsletter, He Pānui Kōhungahunga | The Early Learning Bulletin.

Our He Pānui Kōhungahunga | Early Learning Bulletins communicate important early learning information, changes and events.

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

• Latest COVID-19 updates
• Latest regular issue
• Recent regular issues 2021
• COVID-19 updates 2021

Latest COVID-19 updates

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 updates 2021

 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)

Recent regular issues

Last reviewed: 09 December 2021 Has this been useful? Give us your feedback