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The Education and Training Act 2020
The Education and Training Act 2020 applies to all early learning services in New Zealand.
Education and Training Act 2020 – New Zealand Legislation
Regulations
Early learning regulations are part of the Education and Training Act 2020.
Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008 – New Zealand Legislation
Education (Playgroups) Regulations 2008 – New Zealand Legislation
Licensing criteria
Criteria are used to assess compliance with the minimum standards set by the regulations.
Each type of early learning service has different criteria.
- Licensing criteria for centre-based education and care services
- Licensing criteria for home-based education and care services
- Licensing criteria for hospital-based education and care services
- Licensing criteria for kōhanga reo affiliated with Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust
- Certification criteria for playgroups.
Early Learning Curriculum Framework – Te Whāriki
Te Whāriki provides the basis and context for the curriculum regulatory requirements in the Regulations for all early learning services. The curriculum framework is set by the Minister of Education. The current framework was published in the New Zealand Gazette on 21 April 2023.
More information on Te Whāriki is available on our curriculum website Tāhūrangi.
