Child Protection Policy: Strategic, Powerful and Clear Framework for ECE Providers

Updated April 2026 with the latest regulatory requirements.

A strong child protection policy isn’t just about meeting licensing standards – it’s a core safeguard for children, your team, and the trust families place in your service.

With new 2026 updates now in force, it’s essential your policy reflects current expectations and best practice.

Log in with your member details to read the full guidance. If your service’s membership has lapsed or you’d like to join, get in touch and we’ll help you get set up quickly.

On this page, we break down the latest regulatory changes, provide the most effective template to use, and share practical insights to help your service demonstrate a genuine, proactive commitment to child protection.

This is a member/subscriber only post. To access it, please see the message below for details on access and joining.

Already a Service Provider Member?

Not a member? Service owners, managers, and community organisations may apply to join as a service provider.

Five Reasons to Join Us

1. Marketing

It is prestigious to belong to the OECE. Membership is usually by invitation. Online applications can be made if you think your service meets the criteria. To be a member a service must have as its first priority a focus on being high-quality for children and families. It must also agree to follow the standards in the Code of Conduct for ECE Services.

Running a parent survey when you want to do one is simple – we handle it for you and provide you with a confidential copy of the results. We will also cover the cost of the survey.

Promoting your service online to parents is taken care of. The OECE has partnered with the My ECE website and the ECE Parents’ Council Aotearoa to give members free advertising for their service. For details directly contact My ECE

2. Professional

Free subscription access to the ECE Newsroom – your service provider member login will let you view everything in the ECE Newsroom.

Complimentary access to over 25 years of published NZ and international research – your service provider member login gives you free access to the Research Library and support.

3. Management

Management and ECE employment resources and advice will be at your finger-tips 24/7. We have so much available in the service provider area of our website – ranging from templates for policies, guidance on managing cashflow and debtors, staff drug use, negotiating pay with staff, and through to topics such as best sandpit design.

We will make running a staff survey simple for you. You can use our specially designed survey. We collect the results and will provide you with a confidential report of the findings. (50% discount available to service provider members).

4. Representation

Did you know that the OECE meets personally and regularly with the Ministry of Education national team, and the regulations committee and other forums?

Political leaders and journalists are able to use the OECE to gain deeper knowledge on a topic or issue, and we provide a sounding board for ideas and feedback.

Members have a direct line of communication with Dr Sarah Alexander, to bring to Sarah’s attention and discuss what’s affecting your service and community of children, families, and staff.

5. Value for Money

We are committed to keeping membership prices affordable and providing value for money.

Membership rates start at just $250 for 12-months. Or join for 2 years for only $350. For providers with multiple licensed services, the rates reduce per service the more licensed services you operate.

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Information provided is of a general nature. It is provided ‘as is’, and we accept no liability for its accuracy or completeness. See our Terms and Conditions.

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It’s more important than ever to understand your rights and know what type of employment you actually have – not just what your contract says.

Log in with your member details to read the full guidance. If your membership has lapsed or you’d like to join, get in touch and we’ll help you get set up quickly.

If this is happening to you or to a colleague, it matters. You need to know your rights and be certain about the type of employment you actually have.

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Young boys can love pretty and feminine things. They like to dress up in pretty clothes and be princesses, fairies, and play female roles.

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This is a member/subscriber only post. To access it, please see the message below for details on access and joining.

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Child Protection Policy: Strategic, Powerful and Clear Framework for ECE Providers

Already a Service Provider Member?

Five Reasons to Join Us

1. Marketing

2. Professional

3. Management

4. Representation

5. Value for Money

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