Today the Government announced its response to the 35 recommendations made by the Ministerial Inquiry into the employment of convicted sex offender, Henry Te Rito Miki, in NZ schools. Many of the recommendations will impact on the early childhood sector as the sector is within the education system.

The 35 recommendations have been divided into seven key areas: 

• The role and functions of the New Zealand Teachers Council
• Name change policy processes
• Identity checks
• Information sharing
• Offender management and police matters
• Education workforce and employment practices
• School governance 

The recommendations have been split into 39 actions of which the Government has accepted or partially accepted 36 actions, with 3 still being considered. 

The Department of Internal Affairs is reviewing its policy and processes around name changing.

Subject to the passing of the Privacy (Information Sharing) Bill, agencies will explore the possibility of the Department of Internal Affairs sharing relevant name change information with the New Zealand Teachers Council and the Ministry of Education.

Eleven of the recommendations relate to the role and functions of the New Zealand Teachers Council, which is currently under review. The Ministry of Education has reminded school Boards and Principals during the process of hiring teachers and support staff about verifying the identity and teaching record of prospective employees. 

To read the Ministerial Inquiry report online, click here.

For discussion on interviewing applicants for teaching positions in ECE, click here.