We understand that COVID-19 is having a big impact on staffing at the moment, and that it’s tough to get relievers.

While you may consider using the Close Contact Exemption Scheme to bring back critical staff who are asymptomatic household contacts, you should only do this if there are no other options for caring for those children who need to attend.

There might be some other things you could do – like reduce your operating hours or ask some families to keep their children home for a period of time if they can – so you can continue to offer care for those who need it. If you operate two centres close by, you could combine together on one site.

If you are making temporary changes to your operations like this, you need to contact your local Te Mahau office. A phone call or an email setting out the reasons and the likely timeframe for the changes is fine as a starting point. We won’t make changes on your licence at this time, but it is important that we’re aware of what’s happening.

As always, you will need to do a risk assessment to determine what’s best for your situation. The safety and wellbeing of children continues to be paramount. If the impact of COVID-19 measures on your staffing means you can’t open safely then you will be eligible to apply for Emergency Closure funding.

Emergency Closure funding – Te Mahau

In all cases we encourage you to talk to your local Te Mahau office about your situation and what options are available to you.

Local Te Mahau offices – Ministry of Education