Questions about teacher training, qualifications and targets  

Question: I understand that the 2010 target for 80% trained and registered teachers in teacher-led, centre-based early childhood education (ECE) services has been extended to 2012, but am not clear about when I need 100% trained and registered teachers?

There is no longer a requirement in place for 100% trained and registered teachers. The Government believes 80% is sufficient. In the meantime all teacher-led, centre-based ECE services will need to continue to ensure that 50% of the staff required to meet regulated adult: child ratios, hold an ECE teaching qualification recognised by the New Zealand Teachers Council for registration purposes.

Question: Has the extension of the 80% trained and registered teacher target been changed because of a lack of teachers?

The Ministry of Education believes that there is a shortage of teachers and that 37% of teacher-led services are at risk of not meeting the 80% teacher registration target by 2010. The Ministry predicts there will be a shortage of up to 1,100 registered ECE teachers next year.

Question: If there is a shortage of teachers, why are initial teacher training institutions not training more teachers?

The Ministry of Education pays initial teacher training institutions for every teacher that is trained. For budgeting purposes there needs to be a limit on that expenditure, so training institutions operate in what is known as a ‘capped environment,' they are only allowed to accept an approved number of students for training courses.

Question: We have heard that the Minister of education is planning to ‘fast track' primary teachers and overseas trained teachers. When will this happen?

At this point there has been no official announcement about when, how or for how long these people will be trained.

Question: As employer I understand that if I agree to an employee undergoing training I will meet some of the cost of that course. Can I then ‘bond' her so we get some of her experience before she moves on?

It is possible to ‘bond' an employee, however any such arrangement would need to be agreed to by the employee prior to training starting. The employer is advised to have an informal discussion with the employee to determine what would be a suitable and realistic arrangement both in terms of financial support and reciprocal obligations. A supportive, flexible and understanding environment may be a more effective retention tool than a bond arrangement.

Further queries

If you have a question that cannot be answered here our members can contact our Manager Membership Services by email mailto:members@nzca.ac.nz%20or on our freephone line 0800 CHILDCARE (0800 244 532).

Please allow up to a 48 hour (during working days) turnaround to any queries received.