ECE Licensing Criteria 1–5 + HSWA 2015
Health and safety in NZ ECE — licensing obligations
ECE centres have obligations under both the licensing criteria and the HSWA as a PCBU. Here's what you must have in place.
📋 ECE Licensing Criteria 1–5 + HSWA 2015, Section 36
Written policies (Criterion 1)
Documented, reviewed annually, staff trained
Policies must cover: hazard identification, first aid, emergency management, safe food handling, sun safety, water safety, safe sleep, illness exclusion, medication administration, and incident recording. Review annually and when significant changes occur.
Hazard management (Criterion 2)
Regular hazard walks, a maintained hazard register, children involved age-appropriately. Review after incidents and when the environment changes.
First aid (Criterion 3)
Trained first aider on site at all times
Minimum: Provide First Aid certificate (unit standard 6402 or equivalent), renewed every 2–3 years. Stocked and checked first aid kit. First aid log maintained.
Emergency management (Criterion 4)
Drills must be conducted and documented
- Fire evacuation: at least every 6 months
- Earthquake: at least annually
- Lockdown: at least annually
Document: date, time taken, issues, corrective actions. ERO will ask for this evidence.
Accidents and incidents (Criterion 5)
All accidents must be recorded. Parents/guardians notified on the day. Serious incidents: report to WorkSafe (0800 030 040) and potentially MoE.
Source: ECE Licensing Criteria 2008, Criteria 1–5; HSWA 2015.
education.govt.nz. General information only.
Frequently asked questions
How do we manage serious allergies?
Individual health plans, all staff trained, EpiPens accessible and not expired, staff trained in use. ERO will ask.
What are infant sleep safety requirements?
Under 12 months: back to sleep, appropriate cot, no loose bedding. Visual checks every 10 minutes, documented. Written safe sleep policy required.
Do outdoor spaces need safety assessments?
Yes — equipment condition, fall zones, road/water access, sun exposure, shelter. Document before each session.
What if a child becomes seriously ill?
Call 111 if immediate risk. Notify parents immediately. If hospitalisation required, may be a notifiable HSWA event — call WorkSafe for advice.