“In August last year, we distributed the vacancy list for teaching posts in our schools and all vacancies were filled… We have approved 500 additional posts for the new schools,” Creecy said.

To ensure that learning and teaching start on the first day of school, Creecy said orders for Learner Teacher Support Material were placed by school principals and officials in May last year, including the delivery of the Curriculum Assessment  and Policy Statement (CAPS) in October 2011.

“Admissions started on 01 August 2011 and this year, we anticipate 209 000 Grade 1 learners will begin their schooling career. We are also registering 110 000 learners in state supported Grade R facilities,” said the MEC.

Parents who are still seeking space in schools have been advised to go to their nearest district offices where the department has set up operation centres. District officials will advise parents on the capacity of schools and help to place learners.

Late applications will be handled at the special operation centres established at head office and district offices to allow principals to manage the curriculum in schools from the first day of schooling.

The department also conducted an audit of furniture needs at all districts last year and a list of schools with shortages and damaged furniture was generated.