Approval has been granted for the increase in the per capita subsidy for learners in approved Grade R classes at ordinary public schools and early childhood development (ECD) independent schools retrospectively with effect from 1 April 2011. The per capita subsidies per learner per day have been increased as follows:

The subsidy for rural ordinary public schools that qualify for the minimum subsidy has been increased to R 60, 000 per annum.

The first portion of the subsidy will be paid in April, and the second portion in October.

Principals of ordinary public schools and heads of independent schools are reminded that Grade R subsidy claim forms, Annexures A, B and C, must be completed correctly and signed before they are submitted to the education district office. Copies of attendance registers, the CEMIS report and receipts for learning and teaching support materials (LTSM) purchased should also be submitted.

Incomplete forms (or forms submitted directly to Head Office) will be returned, which will obviously lead to delays in both the approval procedure and the payment of claims.

The quarterly subsidy applications for 2011-2012 must be submitted to local education district offices by the following dates:

Ordinary public and independent schools that fail to adhere to the above dates run the risk of forfeiting these subsidies.

Schools requiring assistance with the completion of the subsidy claim forms should contact the IMG ECD manager at their education district office.

Numerous queries regarding Grade R practitioner salaries are still being received. The WCED wishes to re-emphasise that the remuneration of Grade R practitioners (except those practitioners who are still on the establishment of the WCED) is the responsibility of the relevant governing body. It is, therefore, imperative that governing bodies conclude a contract with each Grade R practitioner, clearly stipulating each practitioner's remuneration and conditions of service.

The national Department of Basic Education has indicated that, as from 1 April 2011, the minimum salary for a Grade R practitioner should be R5, 000 per month. Schools are reminded that 80% of the subsidy allocation should be used for the practitioner's salary and that school governing bodies are required to make a contribution towards the practitioner's salary. The remaining 20% of the subsidy allocation should be used for the purchasing of LTSM.

In order to avoid any underpayment of salaries, schools are requested to use the information in Annexure A and also contact their district officials if they need assistance with the accurate calculation of their practitioner's salary.

The Department of Basic Education's Strategic Plan for 2011-2014 outlines the roll-out of the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) in all schools and the provision of LTSM for its implementation. In order to meet the need for this LTSM in Grade R classes, schools were provided with earmarked funding to purchase these resources. School are requested to ensure that the LTSM purchased for Grade R learners will assist in the development of their literacy and numeracy.