Extension of transitional provisions for staffing arrangements

The Education Council recently agreed to extend several transitional provisions in the National Regulations primarily relating to staffing and qualifications arrangements in the children’s education and care sector.

These provisions were originally included in 2012 when the National Quality Framework was introduced (Regulations 240 and 242 were extended and Regulation 239A inserted in the National Regulations in 2014). They were aimed at addressing the disparity between jurisdictions, particularly in rural and remote areas, and the difficulties in securing early childhood teachers (ECTs).

Since that time there has been significant growth in the proportion of ECTs with qualifications, however, attracting and retaining qualified ECTs remains a challenge, particularly in rural and remote areas.

Extending the provisions to 2020 will allow for sector continuity and certainty, and support the availability of qualified educators to maintain current quality safeguards for children’s education and care. It will also enable governments to assess workforce requirements going forward.

The following provisions are to be extended:

• Regulation 239A (WA, QLD, TAS, SA, NT and NSW) was due to expire 1 January 2018 and  extended to 1 January 2020 – addresses attendance of an ECT at a service in remote and very remote areas
• Regulation 240 (WA, QLD, TAS, SA) was due to expire 1 January 2018 and extended to 1 January 2020 – addresses qualification requirements for ECTs in remote and very remote areas
• Regulation 242 (WA, QLD, TAS, SA, NT, NSW, ACT) was due to expire 1 January 2018 and extended to 1 January 2020 – relates to persons who are actively working towards an approved ECT qualification
• Regulation 264 (ACT) was due to expire 31 December 2017 and extended to 31 December 2020 – discusses general qualifications for educators for services
• Regulation 300 (QLD) was due to expire 1 January 2018 and extended to 1 January 2020 – relates to educator-child ratios for children aged 15-24 months.

The provisions are not being extended in Victoria in recognition of the progress made in developing the qualifications of the early childhood workforce.