The new No Card, No Start changes to Blue Card provisions come into force at the end of this month.

All CSAs and schools need to be aware of the implications of these changes that affect all employees who require a Blue Card for work.

These changes mean that without a valid Blue Card, staff cannot work in a position requiring a Blue Card until their application is approved and they receive their card.

The new legislation covers staff other than registered teachers, including those in early years services, outside school hours care, kindergarten services and long day care services.

Approved providers of these services will need to ensure their staff adhere to these new laws and will also need to update their current policies, procedures, and processes to reflect these changes.

Existing Blue Cards will also need to be renewed before the expiry date, or card holders will be subject to the No Card, No Start law, and cannot work in regulated employment.

Prior to 31 August 2020, paid employees were able to start working with children while their application was being processed.

More information about these changes is available on the Blue Card Services website.