CONTENTSFive standards
There are 5 standards that your playgroup will need to comply with.
Curriculum
There are 2 criteria within this standard:
- one requires the playgroup to plan for, provide and review an education programme that is consistent with the curriculum framework prescribed by the Ministry of Education
- the other requires a procedure for positive guidance of children's behaviour.
Premises and facilities
There are 8 criteria within this standard. These include:
- design and layout of premises
- outdoor space
- furniture and equipment
- toilet/handwashing and drying facilities.
Health and safety
There are 12 criteria within this standard. These include:
- emergency management and evacuation procedures
- hazard management
- maintaining good health and safety practices at the playgroup.
Management and administration
There are 6 criteria within this standard. These include:
- procedures and records to be maintained that deal with financial management
- enrolment and attendance records
- involvement of parents in decision-making.
Ratios
This standard requires playgroups to ensure that more than half of the children attending any session have a parent or caregiver present in the same play area at the same time. At the very least there must be 1 adult for every 4 children present in the same play area at the same time.
Refer to Glossary for information on the ratios standard.
Before the Ministry of Education can undertake a certification assessment, your group will need to complete an application form. Staff at your regional Ministry of Education office will arrange for a site visit to assess whether the playgroup meets the requirements of the 2008 regulatory system.
Education (Playgroups) Regulations 2008 – New Zealand Legislation
