The policy is required under the Children's Act 2014.

Children’s Act 2014 No 40 (as at 01 July 2023), Public Act Contents – New Zealand Legislation

The policy must outline processes for the identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect under the Children and Young persons and their Families Act 1989.

Section 15 of the Children and Young Persons and their Families Act 1989 – New Zealand Legislation

The policy needs to:

• be written down and in use
• define how suspected neglect and abuse will be identified and reported
• be reviewed every 3 years.

It must be available on your school website or on request.

Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa (formerly the New Zealand School Trustees Association) has a sample child protection policy and more information.

Child protection policy – Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa