Questions about the Education Early Childhood Services Regulations 2008

Re-licensing

What happens if we go through the re-licensing process but there are criteria we do not meet?  

The requirements of the 2008 regulations are so similar to the 1998 regulations it is unlikely any service currently meeting the 1998 regulations will not meet the 2008 regulations.  Should there be something additional for the service to provide eg an extra toilet may be needed as the child: toilet ratio now includes children from the age of two years (previously three years) a transitional licence may be issued for a period of no more than 18 months.

Sleep rooms

What is ‘restful sleep' for an under two year old?

The Ministry does not define ‘restful sleep' and this may be different for each child. Teachers will need to talk with parents about what is restful sleep for their child. The centre already has a ‘sleep record' of the usual sleep pattern for the child and these sleep records are constantly being developed for children new to the centre. A combination of these records and discussions with parents will guide the teachers when considering what restful sleep is for the children in their care.

We have just built a sleep room. Does this change to the regulations mean that we now have to remove walls?

No the service can continue to use the sleep room. This change to the regulations simply means that services no longer have to provide a specially designated sleep room.  While the criteria no longer refers explicitly to a sleep room, services are likely to find providing such a facility assists them to readily meet the temperature, noise and other requirements for children's restful sleep.  

Plumbed-in washing facilities

The removal of the requirement for plumbed-in washing facilities seems to be a backward step. Are there any guidelines as to what may be a satisfactory alternative option?

The Ministry will provide guidance on what alternatives will be acceptable, however services can seek advice from their local regional health officials.  Services are required to meet the Building Act and local authorities may require plumbed in facilities as part of their requirements, particularly for new services.  Participants at our seminars discussed the risk of back strain if a babies bath is used as well as concerns about washing water becoming contaminated when a child is soiled.

Flexible counting provision

Is there any time limit about how long a child can continue to be counted in the under twos when he has moved to the over twos?

This change to the regulations is designed to help with ratios over a transition period only and should not be used for an extended period. This flexible counting provision is only relevant for ratio purposes and does not affect funding.        

If my under-twos number is down, can I take an additional over-two and count him in the under-twos and therefore not employ another staff member?

No, such an action is outside the ‘spirit' of the change to the regulations which is about reducing a compliance burden over a transition period.

Further queries

If you have a question that cannot be answered here our members can contact our Manager Membership Services by email mailto:members@nzca.ac.nz%20or on our freephone line 0800 CHILDCARE (0800 244 532).

Please allow up to a 48 hour (during working days) turnaround to any queries received.