https://assets.education.govt.nz/public/ Documents/Early-Childhood/networkmanagement/National-Statement-24Nov-2022.pdf. When an applicant is preparing a network approval application, they will need to ensure that the proposal is in keeping with the directions set in the national statement. Many people were expecting that National What are the Strategic Priorities in the National Statement? The National Statement identifies 11 strategic priorities that the Government considers should be encouraged to ensure availability within the early learning network. These relate to types of services rather than geographic locations. The key thing to note is that meeting a priority is not a prerequisite for obtaining network approval. These priorities will be used when the Minister receives two or more network pre-approval applications within a defined area. If one of the applications meets one or more of the strategic priorities it is more likely to be approved than one that does not. The strategic priorities are: 01. Māori bilingual and immersion services 02. Hapū/iwi-owned services 03. Services with a distinct Māori identity and culture 04. Pacific bilingual and immersion services 05. Pacific language and/or cultural services 06. Language immersion services (non English/Māori/Pacific) 07. Services well-equipped for learning support needs 08. Services well-equipped for migrants and former refugees 09. Services planned to operate on a new school site 10. Organisations funded by Targeted Assistance for Participation (TAP) 11. Wrap around services Statement to provide guidance on where the Ministry was seeking to encourage new supply and where it was seeking to prevent a potential oversupply. The actual National Statement has turned out to be more of an application preparation guidance document. The Statement outlines the purpose of network planning, defines the relevant considerations in assessing an application, details the 11 priority matters, outlines the data applicants should report on, and provides guidance on other relevant matters to consider. The Statement puts the onus on the Applicant to prepare an application that can show, using ECE, Planning and demographics data, that there is demand for the specific type of service proposed within a defined area. Aside from a needs analysis, what else is required? An applicant must also demonstrate they are suitable (fit and proper), capable to provide a service, and have sufficient finances. These matters are covered in detail in s18 and s18A of the Act. What happens if I get my preapproval granted? The Minister of Education will make a determination on the pre-approval application and, if granted, you will have three years to: ● Secure financing; ● Buy the land; ● Design a centre; ● Obtain resource consent; ● Obtain building consent; March 2023 { 29 }
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