Vulnerable Children Act 2014
There are 2 key requirements for schools, kura and early learning services under the Vulnerable Children Act 2014:
- To have a child protection policy in place.
- To safety check all who work regularly with children and whose work is paid (or unpaid if part of an educational or vocational training course).
- Early learning services must have their child protection policies in place as soon as possible after this date.
- All new core workers must be safety checked before being employed or engaged as a children's worker.
| Key dates | Requirements |
|---|---|
| 1 July 2016 |
|
| 1 July 2018 |
|
| 1 July 2019 |
|
Further information:
- Vulnerable Children Act 2014 - requirements for schools and kura
Safety checking workers and Child protection policy - for ECE Services - Vulnerable Children Act 2014 - requirements for ECE
Safety checking workers and Child protection policy - for Schools and Kura - Go to the Vulnerable Children Act 2014 on the Legislation website
Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
| Key dates | Requirements |
|---|---|
| 4 April 2016 |
|
Further information:
- Health and Safety for ECE Services
- Health and Safety for Schools and Kura
- Go to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 on the legislation website
Food Act 2014
| Key dates | Requirements |
|---|---|
| 1 March 2016 |
|
| 31 March 2017 |
|
| 30 June 2017 |
|
| 30 June 2018 |
|
The Food Act 2014 makes sure the food that businesses sell is safe and suitable to eat. It also provides tools for businesses to manage their food safety. Under the Act, all schools, kura, early childhood (ECE) services and kōhanga reo must make sure the food they serve children is safe and suitable to eat.
However, depending on the type of food service provided, some will have obligations under the new food safety law – the Food Act 2014 (the Food Act) and the Food Regulations 2015 (the Food Regulations).