Teachers across the Territory have not been able to teach today because of a red tape bungle.
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Katherine schools have not been immune to the NT Government's failure to process working with children "Ochre" cards in time.
By law, teachers and school volunteers must have an Ochre Card, to work with students.
They can be applied for and renewed online through Safe NT, but today some teachers have had to step away from their normal duties in front of the class as the NT Government struggles with the overload.
While some teachers have received temporary exemptions, some have been left without current clearance.
According to a spokeswoman from the Department of Education, schools were advised just yesterday of the back log, leaving little time to fill staff shortages or prepare alternative options for the students.
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"Yesterday, schools were advised of the current backlog in processing Ochre Card renewals through SafeNT and temporary exemptions through Territory Families," the spokeswoman said.
"Today, the Department of Education has been working with SafeNT and Territory Families to fast track the processing of all temporary exemptions for Ochre Cards.
"As a precautionary measure, there have been instances today where teachers without current clearance have been required to perform duties outside of the classroom.
"Some schools have delivered alternative learning programs in their classrooms today."
The Department of Education has confirmed no schools in the NT have been closed and teacher pays have not been impacted.
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However, it is unclear how long it will take Safe NT to sort through the paperwork, leaving teachers and parents concerned for their student's education.
"All outstanding applications are currently being processed and further updates will be provided later today," a spokeswoman from the Department of Education said.
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