Changes to teacher accreditation in NSW will impact early childhood teachers

The Teacher Accreditation Act 2004 has been amended in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, bringing New South Wales in line with the national framework for child safety.

The introduction of an assessment of suitability to teach for initial and ongoing accreditation is one of the key new requirements that addresses the recommendations from the Royal Commission. This means that all Australian teacher regulatory authorities will apply a consistent approach to child safety.

A change to the decision-making structure regarding teacher accreditation decisions will mean that the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) will be making decisions about teacher accreditation at all levels, including early childhood. 

Existing Teacher Accreditation Authorities will continue to make these decisions while we develop new processes in consultation with key stakeholders.

The Act also introduces a new category of accreditation for non-practising teachers that allows those teachers who work in the broader education community outside of a school or early childhood service to remain in the profession. 

“We will work with stakeholders to ensure that these teachers can maintain their accreditation by meeting contextually appropriate requirements,” a NESA spokesperson said. 

The introduction of a public register of teachers further aligns NSW with other jurisdictions. The searchable register will only include teachers’ names, their NESA number and confirmation that they are actively accredited. Other changes include strengthening and streamlining teacher accreditation processes, and reducing administrative burden on teachers, principals, schools and school sectors.

“We will engage in stakeholder consultation while developing the new requirements throughout 2022. We will provide teachers, principals, schools and sector authorities with relevant information and support before the changes come into effect,” NESA clarified.

The Teacher Accreditation Amendment Bill 2021 and the NSW Government’s response to the Royal Commission contain further updates. 

Image credit; Dart Learning