Minister Mitchell commends NSW ECEC educators on determination and commitment

Sarah Mitchell, New South Wales Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning said essential early childhood education and care (ECEC) services, including before and after school care, may remain open for families throughout the ongoing restrictions in NSW, thanking services for the significant efforts they are making to ensure staff and children in their care stay safe and well.

“These educators are some of the unsung heroes of our community, showing incredible determination and commitment to families during these challenging times,” Ms Mitchell said.

Ms Mitchell went on to emphasise the need for the community to work together by wearing masks and using the QR check in codes to assist NSW Health in contact tracing. 

“That’s why, from Monday 12 July, families are encouraged to check-in with the displayed code when dropping off their children or picking them up from the service, and to wear a mask when doing this as well,” she added.

“We’re also asking parents whose children are unwell to get them tested and to keep them home until a negative test is returned, and until they are symptom free.”

To further protect children and educators Ms Mitchell said there should be no non-essential visitors to education and care sites at this time, and encouraged educators to wear masks when interacting with adults, including parents and other staff. 

“While educators in early childhood education are exempt from wearing a mask while providing education and care to young children, they have been advised to wear masks while interacting with adults, including parents and other staff,” she clarified.

Educators working in before and after school care on school sites should wear masks while indoors, in line with the advice for school teachers, with the NSW Department of Education continuing to provide regular updates and support to the sector as the situation evolves. 

For the latest updates on restrictions and requirements in NSW, please see here.