Updated: 25 October 2024
What is the Bela Act?
The Bela Act in South Africa refers to the “Basic Education Laws Amendment Act.” This legislation aims to amend certain aspects of the country’s education laws to enhance the governance and management of schools, improve the quality of education, and address issues related to the regulation of the schooling system.
What is the difference between the Schools and the Children’s Acts?
Schools Act | Children’s Act |
Governs R to Grade 12 | Governs Grade 0 to Grade RR |
Bela Act is the amendment to the Schools Act | Children’s Amendment Act pertains to the Children’s Act |
How does the Bela Act affect ECD Centres?
- If a centre does not have Grade R, the centre will not be affected by the Bela Act.
- Centres that provide Grade R will now need to align with the Schools Act and the Children’s Act to ensure they met all requirements.
Who can provide Grade R?
Type of School | Previously | Currently |
Public School | Yes | Yes |
Independent Grade R Site | Yes | No |
Independent Primary School | Yes | Yes |
Home school | Yes | Yes |
So what does this mean for the Independent Grade R site? 3 options available:
1. Become an independent primary school | 2. Become a satellite for your nearest primary school | 3. Stop providing Grade R
|
Apply at DBE (window opens in Feb until March 2025) | Make an agreement with a full-capacity public school | Specialise in ages 0-5 years only |
You could apply to be an independent primary school and only offer Grade R or you could this could be an opportunity to offer Grade 1. Important to keep in mind the investment this would require |
May I complete my Grade R class in 2024?
Yes you can.
Language and enrolment policy?
These will not be prescribed for Private schools. Only public schools may be impacted if there are changes passed by Law.
Will I be allowed to provide Grade R in 2025?
You will not be able to if you have an independent Grade R site or are not registered and provide Grade R with DBE.
How are centres that provide Aftercare services affected?
Partial care facility falls under Children Act. Bela Act does affect this.
How does registration work if you have a daycare up to Grade RR plus after care?
After care application goes to the Department of Social Development.
Daycare (ECD centre) registration should be submitted via e-Cares to Department of Basic Education.