Sarah Mitchell sends message to NSW ECEC, says assessment visits to be paused

NSW Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell has issued an update to early childhood education and care (ECEC) services and providers, thanking them for “the critical service they provide”, and indicating that assessment and rating visits will be placed on hold in the interim as the country manages the impact of COVID-19. 

“I know these are very uncertain times, and the ECEC sector is facing many challenges,” Ms Mitchell said. 

“As we face a social and economic upheaval of unprecedented magnitude, we are again seeing how well the sector comes together and responds in such difficult times.” 

Ms Mitchell’s message noted that an approach of “business as usual” for regulatory operations within the sector “would not support the sector in the way that (it) needs at this time”. As a result, the message read, “authorised officers will refocus their attention from standard assessment and rating functions to critical regulatory functions and supporting the sector”. 

While efforts being made to progress important reforms were continuing, Ms Mitchell said she has asked the Department to consider how best to implement major initiatives, such as the Quality Ratings Guide, in the current environment. 

“I understand that there are many challenges that remain to be solved,” she said. “I want you to know that I am committed to working with you to maintain a strong education and care sector, and to supporting you all in this difficult time”.

To read Ms Mitchell’s message, please see here.