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Updated licensing criteria for hospital-based early learning services
On 28 November 2025, Associate Minister of Education Hon David Seymour announced updated licensing criteria for hospital-based early learning services.
The updated licensing criteria are anticipated to be used from April 2026, and more information and guidance will be provided here in early 2026.
Until the new criteria are enacted, existing criteria explained below still apply.
Section 10 of the Education and Training Act 2020 defines hospital-based education and care service as the provision of education or care to 3 or more children under the age of 6 who are receiving hospital care.
Education and Training Act 2020, Section 10 – New Zealand Legislation
ECE services operating from hospital premises that provide education and care to siblings of patients or children of hospital staff or patients are centre-based ECE services, not hospital-based ECE services.
Licensing criteria for centre-based ECE services
Hospital-based services are licensed in accordance with the Education and Training Act 2020 under the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008, which prescribe minimum standards that each licensed service must meet. Licensing criteria are used to assess how the services meet the minimum standards required by the regulations.
Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008 – New Zealand Legislation
For each criterion there is guidance to help services meet the required standards.
The licensing criteria were last updated in September 2022.
Mōhiohio anō
More information
Ngā arohaehae whai hua | Self-review guidelines
Print copies of Ngā arohaehae whai hua | Self-review guidelines for early childhood education can be requested from Ministry of Education Customer Services.
Whakapā
Contact
Ministry of Education Customer Services
