There is a written child protection policy that meets the requirements of the Children's Act 2014. The policy contains provisions for the identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect, and information about how the service will keep children safe from abuse and neglect, and how it will respond to suspected child abuse and neglect.

The policy must be reviewed every 3 years.

Documentation required#

1. A written child protection policy that contains:

• provisions for the service’s identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect
• information about the practices the service employs to keep children safe from abuse and neglect, and
• information about how the service will respond to suspected child abuse and neglect.

2. A procedure that sets out how the service will identify and respond to suspected child abuse and/or neglect.

Guidance#

The Education Review Office have guidance on how to comply with this criterion.

Health and safety practices ERO

It’s a good idea to also consider other licensing or certification requirements that help keep children safe. This includes protecting them from:

• exposure to abusive adults
• people under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• smoking
• inappropriate materials, and
• individuals whose health or wellbeing may pose a risk to children.

Protecting children at early learning services