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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.
PF18 Number of toilets
There service has at least 1 toilet for every 1 to 15 persons. Persons are defined as children aged 2 and older and teaching staff that count towards the required adult:child ratio.
Rationale/intent
The criterion ensures at least 1 toilet is provided for those present at the service. The reference to children aged 2:
- recognises that around this age children are starting to interact with toilets. Sole use of potties does not provide opportunities for this learning experience.
- ensures services licensed exclusively for under 2-year-olds are not disadvantaged by having to provide more toilets than would be of use for under 2-year-olds.
Amended 21 July 2011.
PF19 Handwashing facilities
§ There is at least 1 tap delivering warm water (over an individual or shared handbasin) for every 15 persons (or part thereof) at the service (that is to say, children attending and adults counting towards the required adult:child ratio).
Rationale/intent
The criterion aims to uphold hygienic practices by ensuring that handwashing facilities are adequate.
PF20 Toilet facilities
§ Toilet and associated handwashing/drying facilities intended for use by children are:
- designed and located to allow children capable of independent toileting to access them safely without adult help and
- adequately separated from areas of the service used for play or food preparation to prevent the spread of infection.
Rationale/intent
The criterion aims to uphold hygienic practices by ensuring that the design/location of toilet/handwashing facilities encourages their use by children. The criterion is underpinned by the belief that independence in children is valued.
PF21 Hand drying facilities
§ There is a means of drying hands for children and adults that prevents the spread of infection.
PF22 Toilet privacy
§ At least 1 of the toilets for use by children is designed to provide them with some sense of privacy.
Rationale/intent
The criterion aims to uphold children's wellbeing by ensuring that some consideration is given to the need for privacy by some children, due to cultural or individual differences. The criterion also aims to prevent service providers from designing toilet areas purely from a cost-driven perspective.
PF23 Adult toilet
Ø There is a toilet suitable for adults to use.
Rationale/intent
The criterion aims to ensure that adequate toilet provision is made for adults attending the service, thus upholding the wellbeing of children by reducing the possibility of inappropriate adult use of the children's facilities.
