Criterion GMA302#

Parents and whānau are provided with information on how to access the following, in either written or digital format:  

• the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008;
• the Licensing Criteria for Hospital-based Early Childhood Education and Care Centres 2008;  
• information about any changes to the service’s licence status;  
• the most recent Education Review Office report regarding the service;  
• the full names and qualifications of each person counting towards regulated qualification requirements;  
• information concerning their child;  
• any fees charged by the service;
• how they can be involved in the service;  
• the service’s operational documents;  
• any planned reviews and consultation;   
• the amount and details of the expenditure of any Ministry of Education funding received by the service; and
• a procedure for parents and whānau to follow if they wish to make a complaint about the service. The procedure should include details on who to contact and the contact information for the local Ministry of Education office.

Guidance#

How to show you are complying#

You need to share with parents and whānau how they can access all of the information outlined in this criterion. Depending on the type of information, you can share this in either written or digital format. For example: 

• a parent welcome or introduction handout
• made available in one place where parents can easily access at your service
• notices on the wall of the service
• within newsletters
• at regular meetings
• accessible through links to information on your website
• accessible through parent information portals on your website
• within a portfolio for each child.

Service’s complaints procedure

Complaints will vary from minor to major and may escalate rapidly from one to the other unless they are well managed.

To support a clear and fair complaints process, make sure people know they can contact the regional Ministry of Education office if they have concerns about non-compliance. This summary should outline the key steps and who to contact, including the Ministry’s contact information. A template is available in the tools to help you comply section.

Amounts and details of Ministry funding

You need to provide parents and whānau with information about how to access information on the funding your service receives from the Ministry of Education and how this has been spent. Make sure any information you give parents about Ministry funding only relates to the individual service. Do not include details from other services that are part of your group or association.

Professional practice regarding separated parents/guardians

If a child attending the service is from a family with separated parents, the Education and Training Act 2020 sets out the right of entry to early childhood education (ECE) services for parents and guardians.
Unless a court order rules otherwise, all parents and guardians are entitled to:

• reports about their child’s participation and learning experiences in ECE
• participate in the opportunities provided by the ECE service to engage with parents
• have access to any official records held at the service about their child’s participation in that service.

It is recommended that services develop a process to help staff understand how to establish a relationship with both separated parents and support open communication. This should include ensuring adults providing education and care are aware of any relevant court orders.

Professional Practice Regarding Separated Parents PDF