Skip to main content
Ministry of Education New Zealand
Important

New version effective 20 April 2026

This is the new version of the licensing criterion and associated guidance.

Criterion HS224#

Coordinators and educators must not use or be under the influence of alcohol or any other substance that has a detrimental effect on their functioning or behaviour while responsible for children attending the service.

Guidance#

How to show you are complying#

You must make sure that educators and any person responsible (visiting teachers or coordinators) are never under the influence of alcohol or any other substance while children are present.

There are a range of measures you can implement to make sure no one uses or is under the influence of alcohol or any other substance can be helpful, including having:

  • a code of conduct that outlines your expectations for substance-free behaviour from staff, volunteers, parents, and visitors
  • a policy that sets out the rules and consequences regarding alcohol and substance use
  • signs displaying clear reminders in relevant areas to reinforce expectations.