Document how and why you have classified an educator under the Children's Services Award 2010 or the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020. One record per educator, kept on file. If Fair Work ever asks how you arrived at a classification, this is what you hand over.
This is a record, not a classifier. Module 3 of the CLA HR course is clear that AI and general chatbots like ChatGPT get award classifications wrong most of the time. This tool deliberately does not try to classify for you. It captures your reasoning once you have worked the classification out using the Fair Work Award Finder, the pay guide or advice from a HR consultant. If you are unsure, call Fair Work or get advice before filling this in.
Educator
Who are you classifying, and what is their role?
The title on the contract. Remember Fair Work decides coverage by duties, not title.
Qualifications and experience
What do they bring in to the role?
Actual duties performed
What does this educator actually do in the room each shift? This is the single most important section because duties decide the award, not the title.
This is the key question that distinguishes an educator from a teacher.
Classification decision
What award applies, what level, and why?
Include the level number and the descriptor (e.g. Level 3 Cert III, Level 5 Diploma, Level 6 Room Leader, Teacher Level 1).
Minimum rate from the Fair Work pay guide.
What this educator is actually paid.
If below award, stop and correct before finalising.
This is the paragraph you would want on file if someone ever asks why this educator is classified here. Name the source (Fair Work Award Finder, HR consultant, call with Fair Work) and the date.
Review and sign-off
Who made this call and when will you review it?
Suggest every 12 months, or whenever the role or award changes.
Award Classification Record
Educator name
Role at Service
Classification decision
Award
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Classification level
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Effective from
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Award base rate
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Actual rate paid
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Difference
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Educator
Employment type
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Service type
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Start date
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Years in sector
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Qualifications
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Qualification match
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Actual duties performed
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Supervision
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Delivers educational program
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Reasoning and evidence
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Sources and checks
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Review and sign-off
Classified by
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Date of record
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Next review
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Review trigger
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This record documents the classification decision made by the service leader named above. The reasoning was formed using the sources listed. The record should be reviewed at the next review date, after any change in duties, on completion of a relevant qualification, or at the 1 July annual wage review at the latest.