ECE Licensing Criterion 46 + Children's Act 2014
Child protection in NZ ECE — obligations and reporting
ECE centres must take all reasonable steps to protect children from abuse and neglect. Here's what the licensing criteria and Children's Act require.
📋 ECE Licensing Criterion 46 + Children's Act 2014
Licensing obligation (Criterion 46)
The service must take all reasonable steps to protect children from abuse and neglect — including a documented child protection policy and trained staff.
Safety checking — Children's Act 2014
All staff must be safety checked before starting
Safety checking includes: identity verification, police vet, two non-family reference checks, and interview. Must be renewed every 3 years. No exceptions.
Signs of abuse or neglect
Physical
- Unexplained injuries or bruising in unusual locations
- Burns, bite marks, or restraint marks
- Poor hygiene, persistent hunger, untreated conditions
Behavioural
- Sudden behaviour or mood changes
- Fear of specific adults including parents
- Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviour
- Direct or indirect disclosure
Responding to a disclosure
- Stay calm and listen — don't show shock
- Believe the child
- Don't interrogate — open questions only
- Reassure they did the right thing
- Tell them you will need to share what they said
- Record exact words immediately with time and date
- Report immediately to manager and Oranga Tamariki
Reporting
Call Oranga Tamariki: 0508 326 459
Reasonable grounds of concern are sufficient — you don't need certainty. Also call Police (111) if there is immediate risk or criminal offence. Do not tell the alleged abuser you are reporting.
Source: ECE Licensing Criterion 46; Children's Act 2014. Oranga Tamariki: 0508 326 459. General information only.
Frequently asked questions
Are ECE teachers mandatory reporters?
No mandatory reporting law in NZ, but professional, ethical, and licensing obligations effectively require reporting.
What if I'm wrong?
Always better to report and be wrong than not report. Good faith reporters are protected from liability.
Can parents prevent reporting?
No. If you have reasonable grounds, you must report regardless of parental objection.
What training is required?
Child protection training for all staff — recognising signs, responding to disclosures, reporting obligations, and centre policy. Document and refresh regularly.