ECE Health & Safety: 7 Essentials Every Centre Must Have (& Exactly How to Do It)
Keeping tamariki safe isn’t just paperwork — it’s peace of mind for kaiako, whānau and your Board. Tick off these seven essentials and your centre will sail through the next MoE spot‑check.
1. Comprehensive Health & Safety Policies
MoE licensing criteria require written, centre‑specific policies. Ministry of Education
Action steps
Download the latest criteria; highlight every “must”.
Involve teachers and parents in a policy workshop so procedures reflect real practice.
Date‑stamp and review the document each July when new MoE bulletins land.
2. Regular Hazard Assessments
The sandpit at 9 am looks different after a morning of play. Ministry of Education
Action steps
Do a daily playground scan before children arrive.
Keep a live hazard register in a shared Google Sheet; staff log hazards with their phones.
Close the loop: record controls and mark hazards “cleared”.
3. Emergency Preparedness Plans
Earthquakes, fires, and lockdowns — have a step‑by‑step plan for each.
Action steps
Run a drill at least once per term; rotate scenarios.
Maintain a grab‑and‑go kit (first aid, contact list, blankets) by the main exit.
Post evacuation maps at adult and child eye‑level.
4. Staff Training
At least one first‑aid‑certified teacher must be on duty at all times.
Action steps
Keep a training matrix; track expiry dates.
Induct relievers with a five‑minute site walkthrough and sign‑off sheet.
Use WorkSafe’s free online modules for refresher sessions.
5. Safe Play Environments
Action steps
Inspect outdoor equipment monthly; tighten bolts, replace splintered timber.
Maintain minimum fall‑surfacing depth (250 mm bark or 300 mm sand).
Lock hazardous chemicals in a labelled cupboard separate from food prep.
6. Hygiene Practices
Action steps
Display bright hand‑washing posters at child height near every sink.
Enforce an illness‑exclusion policy using MoE’s infectious‑disease table.
Disinfect high‑touch surfaces (door handles, tables) at least twice daily.
7. Regular Reviews and Updates
Action steps
Hold a quarterly safety committee meeting — minutes, actions, deadlines.
Analyse incident logs for trends (e.g. repeated slips in wet‑play area).
Update policies whenever MoE issues new guidance.
Need a Hand?
Our ECE‑specific audits and staff workshops turn obligations into everyday practice. See how we help centres like yours or book a chat with Aria.
