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What is a health assessment?

We carry out health assessments as part of licensing or relicensing of ECE services, or if a concern has been raised by the Ministry of Education.

Health assessments are based on requirements under the relevant licensing criteria and are completed in accordance with the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008. 

An assessment is required before the Ministry of Education will issue a license to operate. The main aspects we will look at during a health assessment are:

  • Illness policies and methods of controlling the spread of diseases
  • Immunisation registers
  • Nappy changing procedures and bathroom hygiene
  • General cleaning schedules and upkeep of the service
  • Ensuring safe noise levels.


For further information around licensing refer to:

Apply for an early learning service licence or certification - Ministry of Education

Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008 - New Zealand Legislation

Establishing a new ECE service

When establishing a new ECE service, contact the National Public Health Service (NPHS) in your region.

Find the NPHS contact details for your region

They will schedule a time for your health assessment visit and request any documentation required (e.g. health policies and procedures).

They can also review any plans if necessary to provide health advice regarding the design of the ECE service.

It is important that your ECE service is ready when we arrive to carry out an assessment.

At the time of the assessment, it is expected that the service will be as it is on the opening day.

Guidelines for ECE services

Health assessment guidelines (PDF 563KB)

Cleaning and sanitising guidelines (PDF 1.8MB)

Wash down guidelines (PDF 485KB

Illness guidelines (PDF 914KB)

Information for ECE services on a variety of topics.

 

Common illnesses that affect children

 

Immunisations

 

Caring for children under 5 years

 

Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act

 

Food and safety

 

Healthy eating