NESA: New Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) policy

Members will remember Debra Williams on World Teachers' Day 2023 being awarded the first Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher (HALT) in NSW's early childhood education and care sector.

NESA has since published their new policy streamlining the HALT accreditation, opening up pathways for teachers seeking national recognition of their exemplary practice.

Teachers now need to show their practice meets 20 Standard Descriptors at the higher levels instead of 37. Groups of applicants can submit evidence from a project they have collaborated on.

Employers can also work with NESA to have professional development programs approved as a NESA recognised program. Completing a NESA recognised program could allow an applicant to demonstrate 6 to 10 Standard Descriptors at HALT level.

Members can e-mail HALenquiry@nesa.nsw.edu.au for more information.

For further information/clarification, members can contact the ACA NSW team via 1300 556 330 or nsw@childcarealliance.org.au.

PUBLISHED: 15 APRIL 2025