For boards and principals
The value of ELC visits
Enriching Local Curriculum (ELC) experiences complement and enrich class programmes as providers work with kaiako and communities to meet the learning needs of ākonga.
New Zealand research demonstrates that over 90% of ākonga and kaiako surveyed value education outside of the regular classroom to enrich curriculum, engage learners, build personal and social skills and connections, and provide a sense of something new. Kaiako noted that when ākonga can see and experience learning in authentic settings, they develop a deeper understanding of the purpose of the learning, can place it in a wider context, and recall information more easily at a later date (Hill et al, 2020).
Providers need to collaborate with kaiako to create meaningful learning experiences that enrich the local curriculum offered by your school or kura.
Kaiako are best equipped to understand the desired learning outcomes and unique needs of their students, so will need specific details of the experiences being offered. This will also assist providers in selecting experiences and resources that are likely to engage students and gain support from parents, caregivers, and whānau.
Boards and principals have a responsibility under the National Education and Learning Priorities (NELP) to ensure that learners, with their whānau, are at the centre of education - ensuring places of learning are safe, inclusive and free from racism, discrimination and bullying (NELP Objective 1.1).
- The Statement of National Education and Learning Priorities (NELP) & Tertiary Education Strategy (TES) provides guidance on government priorities for education.
- The Education Outside The Classroom Guidelines provide information on the safety management process, legal obligations, and planning templates for experiences outside school or kura settings.
How are Ministry ELC providers selected?
Ministry of Education ELC providers have been selected for the next three and a half years, with the RfP process managed through the Government Electronic Tenders Service.
The tender process is open and contestable and makes certain that only the highest quality programmes are selected. An evaluation panel with representatives from the sector including teachers, local iwi, Pacific, and Ministry staff (with experts in distance and digital learning and curriculum) review all proposals.
The process and resulting funding agreements require all providers to have police-vetted staff working directly with students and have policies in accordance with the Children’s Act 2014.
How are providers monitored?
The Ministry of Education contracts a monitoring company to audit and support all ELC providers. The chosen company reviews the quality and educational value of the experiences provided and offers assurance that public money is used correctly.
Who are the ELC providers?
Providers by region lists all Ministry-supported ELC providers.
How can I use ELC experiences?
Examples of great ELC experiences describe schools' examples of effective ELC (formerly LEOTC) experiences.
