24 September 2024

We have updated our guidance on the requirements for vetting workers at limited-attendance child-care centres.

The new Regulatory Systems (Education) Amendment Act 2024 means updates have been made to the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016 (Regulation 51).

A key point is that Police vetting must be completed for non-teaching and unregistered employees at unlicensed child-care centres before the person begins work. This vetting must be used to assess any risks to the safety of children. 

What are limited-attendance child-care centres?

These are any premises that are:

• used regularly for the care of three or more children under six years old (not including the children of the persons providing the care) and
• where the children do not stay for more than two hours per day and
• where the children’s parents or caregivers are in close proximity to the children, and are able to be contacted and resume responsibility for the children at short notice. 

For example, a crèche at a gym or shopping mall.

It does not include being provided with care before or after school.

Read more information in the fact sheet: What to know when employing or engaging limited-attendance child-care centre workers

Related information:

Governance of education sector boosted | Beehive.govt.nz (external link)

Regulatory Systems (Education) Amendment Act 2024 – Education in New Zealand | Education.govt.nz (external link)