Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008

ECE licensing and compliance — NZ guide

Licensing criteria, teacher ratios, child protection, and ERO audit obligations for NZ early childhood education centres.

All early childhood education services in New Zealand must be licensed by the Ministry of Education. Licensing is ongoing — compliance with the criteria must be maintained throughout operation. ERO reviews services on a 3–5 year cycle, and services with concerns can face more frequent review.

Licensing guides
ECE Regulations

Licensing criteria — complete guide

Qualifications, ratios, health and safety, child protection, and ERO.

Read guide →
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Manual handling

Safe lifting and carrying

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Education.govt.nz

Ministry of Education

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ERO

Education Review Office

ECE centres: give your team instant access to your policies

Workstep lets your teachers and managers get answers from your centre policies and NZ licensing criteria — ready for any ERO audit.

Try Workstep free → Book a 20-minute demo