How to verify a school’s credentials with the Department of Education
Parents also have the right to ask the teachers and principals for proof of their qualifications and their registration with the South African Council of Educators (SACE), which every teacher in South Africa is obliged to be registered with.
With more schools opening in and around Springs, it is important for parents to do a thorough check before enrolling their child in a new school.
The Department of Education spokesperson, Stee Mabona, says there are a few things parents can do.
Parents can find a list of registered schools on the department website (www.education.gpg.gov.za).
“When parents enrol their children at an independent school, they are advised to take note of the following information:
• Name of the school
• Registration number (nine-digit number starting with 700 – 700XXXXXX)
• School’s physical address
• Boarding facilities
• Effective date of operation (January 2019)
• Grades (Grade One to 12, for example)
“Also note that learners who attend illegally operating schools are not certified,” says Mabona.
With a private school, parents may interact or verify with the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (Isasa).
Parents can also get in touch with Umalusi.
Mabona also went on to say the registration certificate of a school is reviewed every three years, but the department may recommend ceasing to operate, depending on non-compliance of departmental policies.
Parents also have the right to ask the teachers and principals for proof of their qualifications and their registration with the South African Council of Educators (SACE), which every teacher in South Africa is obliged to be registered with.
If parents suspect a school does not have the correct accreditation and registrations to be operating, Mabona says: “Section 46 of the South African Schools Act (SASA) states that anyone operating a school not registered with the Provincial Department, is guilty of an offence, and upon conviction is liable for a prison sentence of not less than three (3) months”.
Therefore parents are encouraged to report such cases.
“Officials monitor all schools on a continues basis, but parents may report any suspicious irregularity at any school.
“If parents are suspicious of a school which cannot present a registration certificate, or suspect the school is operating illegally, they should contact the Gauteng Department of Education on 0800 000 789 for confirmation, ” says Mabona.
