1. This circular replaces all previous circulars relating to Grade R subsidies.

2. Change in the use of the Grade R subsidy
2.1 Previously, the Grade R subsidy had to be split as follows:

  • 80% for the salaries of Grade R practitioners
  • 20% for learning and teaching support material (LTSM) for the Grade R learners
2.2 After receiving numerous requests to reconsider the spending of the subsidy, and after consultation with various ECD role-players, permission was granted to amend the use of the 20% portion of the subsidy. This 20% may now be used as follows, with immediate effect:

  • 10% for LTSM (both indoor and outdoor equipment)
  • The remaining 10% for any of the following:
    Electricity usage, water usage, daily running costs such as maintenance and cleaning
2.3 It is also important to note that the 80%, 10% and 10% split does not apply to the public schools with fewer than 20 learners. These schools, who receive a minimum subsidy of R72 000 per annum, must use their subsidy for the salary of the educator, i.e. R5 000 per month, and the remaining amount of R12 000 per annum for LTSM purchases and daily running costs.

3. Submission of quarterly application for a subsidy
3.1 The quarterly application for a subsidy must consist of the following:

  • Annexure A - Particulars of school/site and recommendation of the district office
  • Annexure B - Particulars of Grade R learners
  • Annexure C - Brief financial statement of receipts and expenditures
  • Annexure D - Certificate of sound financial management
  • A legible copy of the past term’s attendance register of registered learners
  • A printout of the institution’s CEMIS report
  • Copies of signed salary advices
  • Certified invoices and receipts of all LTSM purchases, as stated in paragraph 2 above.
3.2 Schools requiring assistance with the completion of the subsidy application forms should contact the IMG ECD manager at their education district office.

4. Submission dates for 2013 subsidy applications

The quarterly subsidy applications for 2013 must be submitted to local education district offices by the following dates:

School term Submission dates
First Term 2013 15 February 2013
Second Term 2013 10 May 2013
Third Term 2013 9 August 2013
Fourth Term 2013 25 October 2013

5. Public schools are requested to ensure that all the Grade R practitioners’ details are captured on the Annual Survey forms, as well as on the Human Capital Leave Management System.

6. Independent schools with Grade R classes are reminded that the Annual Survey forms must be completed and returned by 31 March each year. Schools that do not comply will not receive their Grade R subsidy.

7. To ensure the best interests and safety of learners, heads of institutions and governing bodies are requested to adhere to WCED Circular 0046/2004, dated 9 August 2004, which outlines the policy for the admission of pre-Grade R and Grade R learners to ordinary public schools.

8. Please bring the content of this circular to the attention of all role players involved with ECD classes.


SIGNED: PA VINJEVOLD
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2012:10:19