Again we are waiting (faithfully as always) for information from the MoE regarding who the (new) Attendance Service providers will be.
We were told November the 15th, then the end of November (Last Friday) and that's not mentioning the term changes earlier in the year.
Though we were not informed, I am told there are meetings in Wellington to finalize the agreements.
In that same breath I also read in the JOBS VACANT, positions advertised for Christchurch and Auckland. (yesterday & today)
I have placed these on my website.
Does that mean that these people are in anticipation of their contracts being signed? and what if they fall over?
I also see that their cut-off time for these vacancies is the 14 December and here we are on the 4th December.
Most DTS's have never been informed directly by your Preferred Providers as to the positions being advertised. (especially the two I mentioned) or even to liaise with regarding the transition.
That says to DTS's that these new providers have no real interest in them as Attendance Professionals no matter what 'nice words' the MoE have used for them.
A few new providers have actually rung some managers asking for information without offering them anything. They were basically told where to go! also in conversation with these calls it is apparent that they know nothing of the work of Attendance especially when questioned on some key factors.
Our final contract is to work in with the new providers for a smooth transition. I am finding this very hard to imagine at this stage with the way some DTS's have been treated.
The MoE may find a lot of resistance especially with those who have been offered nothing.
Some will say very clearly that after the 21st December they will have no interest at all.
In finishing I must say that many DTS's in New Zealand are feeling absolutely shafted by the Ministry of Education and any media coverage will express this.
A sad end to a great service.
I'm unsure at this stage what I will do with the Truancynz website. It contains a lot of history and has been the voice for a lot of people.
I guess I will have to give it a lot of thought.
Regards
Senior Truancy Officer/Manager