2. Purpose

Section 12 of the NESA Act and Section 6 of the TA Act gives NESA regulatory functions to approve initial teacher education programs. In this policy, use of the term ‘accreditation’ has the same meaning as NESA’s regulatory power to approve.

The policy describes the accreditation requirements and processes for initial teacher education programs offered by NSW providers. A program accredited by NESA confirms that its graduates have the necessary foundations to teach in NSW schools. A person who successfully completes a NESA-accredited program satisfies the qualification requirement under the TA Act to be eligible for Provisional Accreditation.

The NESA Board has the regulatory function to approve, impose conditions, suspend and revoke the accreditation of initial teacher education programs.