Required
CONTENTSOn this page
Section sign symbol (§)
A section sign symbol (§) indicates criteria that may require additional comment from public health units (usually in the form of a health report) to assist the Ministry of Education in assessing services for compliance. The authority to direct a service provider to obtain a health report is outlined in Regulation 55.
Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008, Regulation 55 – New Zealand Legislation
Slashed O symbol (Ø)
A slashed O symbol (Ø) indicates facilities that can be located outside the premises, if services can demonstrate they have adequate access to them.
The glossary defines shared facilities and adequate access.
PF24 Water temperature control
§ A tempering valve or other accurate means of limiting hot water temperature is installed for the requirements of criterion HS13 to be met.
Rationale/intent
The criterion aims to uphold the safety of children by removing the risk of hot water scalding. The criterion also aims to ensure that water is kept at a comfortable temperature to encourage hygienic handwashing practices.
PF25 Nappy change facilities
§ There are safe and stable nappy changing facilities that can be kept hygienically clean. These facilities are located in a designated area near to handwashing facilities, and are adequately separated from areas of the service used for play or food preparation to prevent the spread of infection.
The design, construction, and location of the facilities ensure that:
- they are safe and appropriate for the age/weight and number of children needing to use them
- children's independence can be fostered as appropriate
- children's dignity and right to privacy is respected; and
- some visibility from another area of the service is possible.
Rationale/intent
The criterion aims to uphold the health, safety, and wellbeing of children by ensuring that appropriate facilities are available for children wearing nappies. Nappy changing in an early childhood centre is a high-risk activity from a number of perspectives, for example hygiene (as there can be large numbers of children using the facilities) and safety (risk of falls for the child, risk of back injury for adults). Nappy changing is also a personal care routine that by definition makes the young child vulnerable.
PF26 Body wash facilities
Ø § There are suitable facilities provided for washing sick or soiled children and a procedure outlining how hygiene and infection control outcomes will be met when washing sick and soiled children.
Documentation required
A procedure outlining how the service will ensure hygiene and infection control outcomes are met when washing sick and soiled children.
Rationale/intent
The criterion aims to uphold the health and wellbeing of children by ensuring that there are suitable facilities and practices for washing children who vomit or soil themselves while attending the service so that the risk of cross-infection is reduced.
PF27 Isolation area
Ø § There is space (away from where food is stored, prepared, or eaten) where a sick child can:
- be temporarily kept at a safe distance from other children (to prevent cross-infection)
- lie down comfortably; and
- be supervised.
Rationale/intent
The criterion aims to uphold the safety and wellbeing of children by ensuring that there are comfortable and safe facilities for the isolation of a sick child.
PF28 First aid kit
There is a first aid kit that:
- complies with the requirements of Appendix 1
- is easily recognisable and readily accessible to adults; and
- is inaccessible to children.
Appendix 1: First aid requirements for criterion PF28
Rationale/intent
The criterion aims to uphold the safety of children by ensuring that:
- there are adequate provisions available for the treatment of minor injuries
- adults can easily find the necessary provisions for administering first aid; and
- children cannot access any hazardous materials themselves.
