Thank you for taking the time to provide a Workplace Support Reference.
Please read the following information carefully, then confirm using the form at the bottom of this page whether you are able to supply suitable support for the applicant to meet the on-job requirements of the New Zealand Certificate in Education Support programme.
The New Zealand Certificate in Education Support is a part-time programme of two courses, designed to help the student work effectively providing education support (paid or as a volunteer) in the New Zealand education sector.
We require all applicants to be providing education support (paid or voluntary) at a school, early childhood education or other community education setting under the supervision of a teacher in order to meet the on-job requirements of the programme*. During their time of study, students need to work under supervision with individual children, or groups of children, within an education setting. They need to work on education support duties for at least one day (or 5 hours) a week over the period of their study.
Students complete their study fully online by distance while meeting the on-job requirements of the programme and are supported by their Open Polytechnic tutor and their support person/mentor.
As a guide, the support person/mentor will need to spend up to half an hour a week with you on such things as:
- classroom and organisational protocols;
- setting up activities where you can observe or work with selected child/ren or observe teaching;
- directing you to the physical resources, information or people needed to complete an activity or assignment task;
- explaining the school’s policies or procedures;
- giving feedback on an activity;
- encouraging you throughout the course.
Most of this support can be provided in a brief weekly meeting. The support person is not required to assess a student’s work, but may need to verify some of the student’s tasks.
Children’s Act 2014 – Your Obligations under this Act
Schools and early childhood centres supporting an Education Support learner in the New Zealand Certificate in Education Support Level 4 will be required to meet the obligations of the Children’s Act 2014.
Applicants have been advised that they will be police checked by the organisation they work in. It is the school or ECE Centre's responsibility to ensure the student has an up-to-date police check. Please note that your organisation will also be responsible for the student’s workplace health and safety while they are working with you.
As part of the enrolment process the student has consented to the Open Polytechnic and your organisation liaising directly with each other about the student's studies if required.
*Work in an education setting other than a school or early childhood education setting may be possible but applicants should check with Open Polytechnic when enrolling, that the workplace is suitable.
