Fees & policies

Rationale:

The recognition of language, identity and culture establishes an environment of trust, respect and understanding of the cultural heritages of both parties to Te Tiriti ō Waitangi. It allows for us all to stand tall in our own culture while giving space to and respecting other cultures.

Purpose:

Tamariki are given the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the cultural heritages of both parties to Te Tiriti ō Waitangi.

Te reo and tikanga Māori are authentically weaved throughout the curriculum and the learning environment.

Te Ara Whānui (Te Whāriki, 2017):

Mana reo (Communication) Tamariki experience an environment where they experience the stories and symbols of their own and other cultures.

Procedures:

• Management and Kaiako will develop an understanding of the principles of Te Tiriti ō Waitangi and implement these principles in their practice.
• Management and Kaiako will incorporate the principles of Te Tiriti ō Waitangi in policies and procedures.
• Management will look for opportunities to develop relationships with hapū and iwi to embed the principle of partnership inherent in Te Tiriti ō Waitangi and to ensure that the programme provided reflects the tikanga of the tangata whenua of their local area.
• Kaiako and management will develop an understanding of concepts, such as whanaungatanga, kaitiakitanga, and manaakitanga, and use them to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Kaiako will seek to develop a shared decision-making process with whānau for the care and education of their tamariki.
• Kaiako will recognise the potential and uniqueness of tamariki in relation to their whānau, hapū, iwi and tipuna and their mana to achieve success as a learner.
• Kaiako and management will seek knowledge from whānau and engage in professional development and learning to strengthen their understanding and knowledge of te reo and tikanga Māori and the ways that this can be meaningfully incorporated in the learning programme.
• The Centre will seek to provide an environment, resources and tikanga that reflect the natural world in authentic contexts.
• Resources and displays will reflect the values and practices of Māori culture to promote a dual cultural narrative within the environment.
• Kaiako will incorporate te reo, waiata and tikanga Māori practices into programme planning, and meaningful learning experiences.

Links to: Licensing Criteria C5-6

Date reviewed: March 2025

Food, Drinks and Nutrition Policy

Rationale:

To be committed to a safe and healthy eating environment. We recognise that each child is unique and comes to us with their own bottle feeding routine, food requirements and how they prefer to have it in a safe and healthy environment. We also recognise the importance of breastfeeding for the well-being of the child and the mother, both in the short and long-term, therefore we will provide a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers.

Te Ara Whānui (Te Whāriki, 2017):

Mana atua (Wellbeing) Tamariki will experience an environment where their health is promoted.

Procedure:

• Mountainside Educare employs a cook, has commercial cooking facilities and an approved food plan in place.
• A daily menu of the morning, lunch and afternoon tea will be displayed in the classrooms.
• A record will be kept of all the kai served and be available for inspection for up to three months after it has been served.
• If further baking is done with the tamariki or kai is bought in by whānau for a celebration, a record is also kept in the kitchen for inspection for up to three months after it has been served.
• Each child chooses their own “Birthday Treat” with the cook for afternoon tea. Either Nice Cream or GF & DF brownie.
• The highest level of hygiene is maintained. Sterile dishwashing facilities ensure eating utensils are cleaned thoroughly.
• Hand washing and general hygiene routines are observed when adults and tamariki are handling kai.
• Kai is prepared, served, and stored hygienically in the kitchen.
• Kai provided by Mountainside is of sufficient variety, quantity, and quality to meet the needs of each child.
• Tamariki who suffer from celiac disease will not be catered for due to the high risk of cross-contamination between ingredients.
• Kai high in fat, sodium or sugar are kept to a minimum or just for special occasions.
• Kai and drink will not be given as a reward.
• Kaiako encourage tamariki by role modelling healthy eating when possible.
• Tamariki will be encouraged to make their own choices and select their own kai when possible.
• If tamariki bring their own lunches, the Centre promotes and encourages parents to pack healthy lunches and follow the Ministry of Health’s “Reducing food-related choking for babies and young tamariki at early learning services”. Tamariki will be discouraged from sharing their kai with others. No confectionery is to be in lunch boxes.
• Tamariki are always actively supervised by a kaiako while eating. Meal times will be encouraged as sociable times.
• All tamariki will be sitting down while eating in an upright position with kai directly in front of them. All tamariki will be encouraged to finish their kai before talking, use cutlery and eat small mouthfuls at a reasonable pace.
• Activities focusing on kai, nutrition, health, and kai safety will be incorporated into the Centre’s daily programme.
• Allergies, food intolerances and special dietary requirements will be the shared responsibility of the child’s whānau and the Centre. Information about these will be clearly displayed in the kitchen.
• If the child’s allergies are life threatening a management plan will be in place and clearly displayed, to ensure all staff know emergency protocols.
• Tamariki will be encouraged to drink water at each mealtime. The Centre will ensure water is available to all tamariki at other times of the day. Tamariki are discouraged from sharing cups and bottles.
• Milk may be provided as a drink option at kai time for tamariki in Te Maunga Ruma when children with relevant allergies are not attending.
• We are a NUT FREE ZONE due to the severity of allergies that may occur among tamariki. This includes products that contain nuts. Any kai containing nuts found in tamariki bags or lunchboxes will be removed and given to parents upon collection of their child. The kai will be replaced with an alternative if necessary.
• We discourage whānau from giving kai to tamariki other than their own.
• Where kai is provided by the service, foods that pose a high choking risk are not to be served unless prepared in accordance with best practice as set out in Ministry of Health’s “Reducing kai-related choking for babies and young tamariki at early learning services” https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/publications/reducing-kai-related-choking-babies-young-tamariki-early-learning-services-apr21.pdf

Food Act 2014

• We only use clean water for the purpose of kai production, processing and handling and do not use self-supplied water
• Readily perishable food is food that will support the growth of harmful microbes and must be kept under temperature control at or below 4°C to prevent toxins forming due to microbial growth. Mountainside Educare ensures that readily perishable food is handled, stored, transported, and processed in the right way to ensure it remains safe and suitable as is required in the Food Act 2014. Some foods that are not initially readily perishable may become perishable when modified or altered, (for example, dry custard powder is not readily perishable but becomes readily perishable when mixed with milk or water, these must be refrigerated when they become readily perishable).
• Mountainside Educare provides all kai and may provide readily perishable kai which is prepared by designated kitchen staff. We therefore are subject to our Food Plan under the Food Act 2014. The requirements under our Food Plan (receiving, storing, cooking, cooling and reheating perishable food) are outlined in the Food Act 2014 Checklist and Record Sheet.

Bottle Feeding

• To ensure the safety and well-being of our tamariki. All tamariki who are under the age of 12 months and other tamariki unable to drink independently are held semi-upright whilst being fed.
• Whilst having a bottle, a kaiako will always be present.
• Tamariki who require formula, whānau must bring formula from home in correct amounts in clearly named bottles or containers. Any infant milk/formula given to a child under the age of two years is of a type approved by the child’s whānau.
• Bottles will be prepared in the utmost hygienic way through hand washing and timing of preparation – as close as possible to feeding time.
• Only bottles will be made in te Awa Ruma, all other kai will be prepared and stored in the kitchen.
• Breastmilk will be stored in the fridge or freezer and heated in a bottle warmer or hot water, not in the microwave.
• All kaiako will receive instruction from the Curriculum Leader, or their delegate, on the preparation of formula bottles and the safe handling of breast milk.
• To ensure the safety of our tamariki, no child will be allowed bottles whilst in bed.
• Sterile bottles and extra formula will be stored in the civil defence kit in case of an emergency.
• Kaiako in the Awa Room will record the amount of milk tamariki drink from their bottle on the charts, which will then be kept on site for three months.

Breastfeeding

• Breastfeeding women will be provided a place to breastfeed or express their milk.
• Breastfeeding kaiako will be provided flexible breaks to accommodate breastfeeding or when expressing milk.
• The time allowed for breastfeeding/expressing would not exceed the normal time allowed to other employees for lunch and breaks. For time above and beyond normal lunch and breaks, sick/annual leave may be used, or these breaks can be unpaid.

Links to: Licensing Criteria: HS19-HS23

Date reviewed: July 2025

Rationale:

Building strong links between ECE, whānau, school and specialist agencies to ensure we are working in partnership focusing on the best interests of the tamaiti and their whānau.

Purpose:

To ensure tamariki and whānau feel comfortable and knowledgeable about the transition from a familiar setting to an unfamiliar setting, and the support that can be provided to enhance positive learning outcomes.

Te Ara Whānui (Te Whāriki, 2017):

Mana whenua (Belonging) Tamariki and their families experience an environment where they know they have a place.

Mana tangata (Contribution) Tamariki experience an environment where there are equitable opportunities for learning, irrespective of gender, ability, age, ethnicity, or background.

Procedures:

• Kaiako use various methods to communicate with whānau daily, including texting, calling, and emailing. We record our phone calls to whānau by documenting them on Discover (Text messages and emails are stored on the phone and computer.)
• Our Centre has an open-door policy, encouraging whānau to stay and/or pop into the Centre any time of the day to check/visit their tamaiti.
• Decisions about tamariki learning are made in partnership with whānau both formally and informally.
• Our kaiako are available if whānau wish to discuss concerns about their tamaiti. A time will be made to meet with whānau, which is suitable to both whānau and kaiako as necessary.
• If kaiako have a concern about a tamaiti it will be brought to the attention of the Centre Manager who will then discuss with whānau.
• Information and guidance is sought when necessary from agencies/services to enable kaiako to work effectively with tamariki and their whānau.
• Monthly newsletters inform whānau of happenings, policy reviews and any changes happening in the Centre.
• Nappy change, sleep records and toileting records are available for whānau. These are located on the wall in the nappy change room or outside the sleep room and then stored on the computer.
• Parent evenings are offered during the year.
• Electronic profiles as well as the Learning Journey Books containing assessment of tamariki are always available to whānau. We strongly encourage whānau to take the Learning Journey Books home and/or contribute their voice through conversations with kaiako or on Story Park.
• We communicate informally with whānau throughout the year to hear the aspirations they have for their tamariki, and formally in February and August.
• Kaiako communicates with whānau when they have new narratives. This happens through verbal conversations and an email from StoryPark
• Policies are reviewed annually in consultation with whānau, and these are displayed on the classroom noticeboard.
• Education Review office (ERO) reports can be found on their website, ero.govt.nz (search Mountainside Educare).

Settling into Mountainside Educare

• Whānau will be welcomed and shown around the Centre by either Centre Manager, Curriculum Leader or Office Administrator and given an information pack. Whānau are familiarised with the Centre policies and procedures and settle visits will be discussed.
• An enrolment form must be completed prior to the tamaiti beginning at the Centre.
• Whānau are encouraged to make regular visits as often as they choose before their tamaiti starts.
• Whānau are encouraged to leave their tamaiti for short periods of time, as they feel comfortable.
• Each tamaiti will be assigned a key kaiako who will spend time building trusting relationships with whānau and their tamariki during the settling process. A responsive dyadic relationship will be developed.
• We value whānau knowledge of their tamaiti and encourage them to share it with our kaiako to help in the settling in process.
• We encourage whānau to say goodbye to their tamaiti before they leave.
• Whānau are encouraged to name any items that they bring.

Settling process for the Awa Room

• The transition process for the Awa Room will run over six days. Every child’s settling process may look slightly different depending on their age, stage and routine.
  • First visit – (10.30-11.30am) Whānau with tamaiti stay for an hour and are encouraged to get to know the kaiako and share information about their tamaiti, themselves and their whānau with their key kaiako.
  • Second and third visits – (10.30-11.30) Whānau and tamaiti are able to stay for up to two hours to allow for everyone to get to know each other. This will support all tamariki to develop a sense of belonging in their room. Whānau are welcome to leave if/when they’re ready on this visit.
  • Fourth visit – (9.30-11.30) whānau settle their tamaiti into the room and then leave when they’re comfortable doing so for half a day. If this visit is during a nap time, whānau will be encouraged to support their tamaiti to go to sleep in the sleep room.
  • Fifth visit – (9.30-12/1) whānau settle their tamaiti into the room and then leave when they’re comfortable doing so for up to half a day. This may include a nap again.
  • Sixth visit – (9/9.30-3pm) whānau settle their tamaiti into the room and then leave when they’re comfortable doing so. This will be up to a full day booking or their normal booking time. This will include a nap.

Settling process for the Maunga Room

• The transition process for the Maunga room will run over four days.

• • First visit – 9.30-10.30am whānau come in and stay with their tamariki and spend time with their key kaiako. Whānau are encouraged to get to know the kaiako and share information about their tamaiti, themselves and their whānau with their key kaiako.

• • Second visit – 9.30-10.30am whānau come in and stay with their tamariki and spend time with their key kaiako. Tamariki are encouraged to play and begin to develop a sense of belonging here.
  • Third visit – 9.30am-11.30am whānau settle tamaiti into the room and then leave when everyone is comfortable. Whānau are on call when they leave Mountainside to come back if needed. The key kaiako will spend time with their tamaiti to ensure they develop a sense of belonging here and form a relationship.
  • Fourth visit – 9.30am-2.30pm whānau settle their tamaiti into the room and then leave when everyone is comfortable. This may include a nap if the tamaiti will be sleeping at Mountainside. This booking may also be extending if whānau, key kaiako and tamaiti wish.

Transition from Te Awa Ruma to Te Maunga Ruma

• Information will be emailed to whānau about te Maunga Ruma to support with the transition process.
• For each tamaiti, transitioning between rooms is based on developmental readiness, availability of spaces, the best interests of the tamaiti, and in consultation with whānau. Whānau are notified two months before their transitioning date.
• In consultation with whānau, management and kaiako will decide when the time is right for each child to transition from the under two’s to over two’s room. This will be around two years old, but each child will be considered individually.
• Kaiako will plan for the transition (visit times, information sharing, meeting new key kaiako) and this information will be shared with whānau two months before
• Information about the tamaiti, including the name, date of birth, mātua names, and allergies, as well as individual and group routines are exchanged between the new and existing kaiako. Each tamaiti Learning Journey book will go with each tamaiti too.
• The transition will take place over four weeks. To begin with, each key kaiako will take tamariki into te Maunga space to play and form a relationship with their new key kaiako. As each tamaiti becomes more comfortable with their new key kaiako, their old key kaiako will move away and return in te Awa Ruma when appropriate. These visits will be very fluid and kaiako will follow the needs of each tamaiti.
• The transition guidelines are as followed:
• Week One: With Awa Kaiako, 30-60 minute visits each morning or afternoon (these will usually occur between 10-11.30am where possible).
• Week Two: Awa kaiako take the tamaiti through using the main doors, stay for a short time. Tamaiti stays in Maunga for kai. (These will usually occur between 10 – 11.30am).
• Week Three: Maunga Kaiako will go to Awa to collect the tamaiti around 9.15/9.30am and take them to Maunga, these visits will usually include an afternoon sleep in Maunga.
• Week Four: Whānau drop the tamaiti off in the Maunga room in the morning, where they are welcome to stay for the day or go back to Awa as needed.
• Week Five: If tamaiti are ready and are feeling safe and happy, they will continue their learning journey in Maunga.

Transition to School

• Information will be available to whānau about local schools to support them in the transition process.
• Kaiako will talk with tamariki about school and all that it encompasses so that it becomes a familiar and enjoyable process.
• Prior to attending school, kaiako will encourage self-help skills, and respect for self, others and environment.
• Kaiako and management will consult with whānau to ensure transition to school visits are arranged and may provide support when necessary.
• Kaiako will be available to discuss with whānau any concerns or expectations they may have regarding the transition to school process.
• The Centre will celebrate each tamaiti last day of attendance, and their documented learning journey will be given to the whānau.
• A transition portfolio will be made by each tamaiti key kaiako, and then sent to school for their Primary kaiako to read through.
• Opportunities are created to visit and participate in special events in local schools or community settings.

Diverse Learning

• All tamariki, regardless of gender, ability, culture, or background can be enrolled at Mountainside Educare.
• Kaiako at Mountainside support Te Tiriti ō Waitangi and provide opportunities for tamariki to explore and experience Māori culture.
• Kaiako are made aware of and respect individual and cultural needs through the whānau information that is required on each enrolment form and throughout their time at Mountainside.

• Concerns may be identified by whānau or a kaiako or both. Whānau will be informed by the Curriculum Leader/Centre Manager of any concerns noticed.
• Information and guidance is sought when necessary from agencies/services to enable kaiako to work effectively with tamariki and their whānau.
• Individual plans will be written for each tamaiti where appropriate alongside whānau and/or agencies. These will be reviewed regularly.
• Kaiako are provided with opportunities to gain knowledge and expertise regarding the diverse needs of the tamaiti and ensure that they can be supported in increasing their knowledge.
• Any records, including meetings, referrals and programmes are kept confidential and are stored in the filing cabinet in the office.

• Kaiako at Mountainside will encourage all tamariki to:

• Participate in activities that they enjoy and will grow their learning and development.
• Protect themselves, others and our environment.
• Develop partnerships with our kaiako and tamariki.
• Begin to understand the cultures and religions of other people.
• Kaiako are aware of their language and behaviour when interacting with tamariki, ensuring it is non-discriminatory and positive.
• If we do not have the equipment necessary to enhance a particular developmental stage, we will seek advice to ensure we acquire the appropriate resources.
• When purchasing equipment, care is taken to ensure the diversity of people and groups in Aotearoa are being portrayed in posters, puzzles, books, music etc.
• Consideration will be fostered by encouraging co-operative play. The tamariki will be helped to share and take turns in a supportive and meaningful way.

Links to: Licensing Criteria C3, 4, 6, 7, 11 & 13

Date reviewed: August 2025

Whānau Involvement and Information Policy

Rationale:

To ensure tamariki are kept safe whilst they are at Mountainside Educare. To ensure Mountainside Educare maintains its stated Kaiako:Tamaiti ratios which allows tamariki to have high quality education.

Te Ara Whānui (Te Whāriki, 2017):

Mana atua (Well-being) Tamariki experience an environment where they are kept safe from harm.

Mana whenua (Belonging) Tamariki and their families experience an environment where they know the limits and boundaries of acceptable behaviour.

Procedure:

• Whānau can come into the Centre at any time without notice provided:
  • They have legal access to the tamaiti.
  • They are not suffering from a contagious or infectious disease.
  • They are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs to a detrimental effect.
  • Their behaviour is not disruptive to the effective operation of the centre.
• Whānau may visit us over lunch or stay and spend time with their tamaiti during their session.
• Should there be a custody order against whānau, a copy of this must be submitted to the Centre before we can restrict a whānau access to their tamaiti.
• Tamariki and whānau information (enrolment information) is stored in the office and on the SMS program – Discover and is kept confidential to management and kaiako.
• All policies and procedures are kept in the office foyer for whānau and kaiako to access at any time.
• The Centre philosophy and kaiako qualifications are displayed in the foyer for all whānau to read.
• Policies that are up for renewal will be displayed on the noticeboards in the classroom for whānau to review. Reminders will also be put in our monthly newsletters.

• Education Review office (ERO) reports can be found on their website, www.ero.govt.nz (search Mountainside Educare).

• A schedule of the fees will be in the information book which is given to the whānau the time of enrolment.
• All fees are GST inclusive and are to be paid weekly or fortnightly. We encourage automatic payment/direct credit, but cash will be accepted. Unpaid debts may be forwarded to a debt collecting agency and any recovery costs will be added to the account.
• Invoices will be issued weekly.
• Quarterly Statements are sent out every three months for the FamilyBoost Payments.
• Whānau agree their tamariki are not enrolled in any other early childhood service on the same day and hours in which they attend Mountainside Educare.
• Any fee changes will be entirely at the discretion of the management. At least one months’ notice will be given when an increase is to occur.
• WINZ subsidies are available. If the WINZ client’s total invoice for the week is less than the WINZ subsidy (e.g., you have taken your tamaiti out for a week’s holiday, or they are sick for the week and receive the 50% discount on their fees) then the invoice will be adjusted to at least match the WINZ amount. This will be for a maximum of 3 consecutive weeks, then subsidies may be cancelled.
• 20 Hours ECE is available free for tamariki over three, however enrolment conditions are applicable.
• Your tamaiti is entitled to seven weeks of holidays or sick days per year in total, based on your permanent booking. For instance, if your tamaiti attends three days a week, they would be entitled to 21 holiday/sick days (3 days x 7 weeks). Further holidays can be taken but full fees will apply.
• Whilst on holiday or sick, 50% of your permanent booking will be charged per day for a maximum of 3 weeks at any one time, thereafter the Ministry of Education will stop your funding and full fees will apply.

• Whānau must be in the Centre to pick up their tamariki by their enrolled pick-up time.
• If a whānau member is going to be late picking up their tamaiti any time of the day, they are required to contact the Centre as soon as possible to ensure ratios can be maintained.
• If a whānau member is late without any notice, 2 warnings will be given and recorded, thereafter a fee of $20 will be charged to your account for the late pickup.
• After 5pm the Centre will charge $20 per 5 minutes, per tamaiti.
• Tamariki will be cared for by a kaiako until collected.

Enrolment

• An enrolment form must be completed prior to the tamaiti beginning at the centre.
• If we have a waitlist, each tamaiti will be added to the waitlist once an enquiry form has been received. We will continually work through the waitlist, contact whānau when a space is available and then the settling policy will be followed.
• Enrolment records are kept on site for each tamaiti attending Mountainside Educare.
• All enrolment details will be kept in the filing cabinet and only accessed when necessary.
• Important information about unvaccinated tamariki, unauthorised people to pick up, tamariki who are not allowed on social media, allergies, tamariki unable to go on excursions, tamariki with diverse learning needs, Māori or Pacific tamariki or whānau who speak other languages at home will be kept on a chart in the office, out of sight of other whānau.
• For tamariki who are over three, they must be enrolled for a minimum of three days.
• For tamariki who are under three, they must be enrolled for a minimum of three sessions. One session is half a day.

Links to: Licensing Criteria GMA 2, 3, 10 & 12

Date reviewed: April 2025

Child Health and Wellbeing Policy

Rationale:

To promote the good health and safety of all tamariki enrolled at Mountainside Educare.

Te Ara Whānui (Te Whāriki, 2017):

Mana atua (Well-Being) Tamariki will experience an environment where their health is promoted.

Procedures:

Accident Procedures

• There is an adult present at all times for every 25 tamariki attending (or part thereof) that holds a current First Aid qualification gained from a NZQA accredited first aid training provider.
• Copies of First Aid Certificates held by staff will be kept in the filing cabinet at the Centre.
• Management will ensure that all tamariki records have current whānau contact numbers and at least one emergency contact.
• In the event of an accident, priority will be to administer first aid immediately then inform management.
• Any accident will be recorded in the Accident Books and kaiako will ensure whānau are informed.
• The staff member who performs first aid will record in the Accident Book what happened, i.e., a description of the incident, the action taken, and the day and time it occurred and a space for whānau to sign that they have knowledge of the incident.
• If the accident is minor, whānau will be sent a notification through the SMS Discover or a txt off our Centre Phone. If the accident is a head knock or more serious, whānau will be phoned and informed.
• For all intentional injuries, we will write all injurers initials on the pink carbon copy of the accident report. This is to allow our Curriculum Leader to keep track of any patterns that may occur.
• If the accident is serious, an ambulance will be called and the whānau will be contacted immediately by Centre Management or our Curriculum Leader. If the whānau cannot reach the Centre by the time the ambulance arrives, a staff member will ride to the Medical Centre with the tamaiti and meet the whānau there.
• If an ambulance is unable to get to the Centre, a registered and qualified staff member, who holds a current first aid certificate, will take the tamaiti to the local Medical Centre and the whānau/emergency contact person will be called. The staff member will stay with the tamaiti while at the Medical Centre until whānau arrive.
• If blood and body fluids are present as a result of the accident, kaiako will clean and disinfect the area using gloves and a bleach solution straight away.

Illness Procedures

• We will ensure that all tamariki/staff/whānau/visitors to the Centre are protected from contracting infectious diseases.
• Tamariki and adults who are sick are not to be present at the Centre. Sickness includes vomiting, diarrhea, high temperatures, a green runny nose along with any other flu-like symptoms, conjunctivitis, impetigo, and any other contagious illness.
• Daily records are kept of illness related absences. Information on illnesses affecting our Centre can then be collated and shared when necessary. These records will be kept for 2 years (past year and current year).
• Any child requiring pain relief should not attend the Centre. However, exceptions will be made regarding surgery or broken bones.
• If your child has had pain relief (Pamol, Nurofen or similar) in the last 12-hours, they will be asked to stay at home.
• If a tamaiti arrives at the Centre and is clearly not well, staff and Management reserve the right not to allow that tamaiti to be left at the Centre. This is for the wellness of other tamariki and staff.
• Tamariki must stay away from Mountainside Educare for the following amount of time when they have the following:
  • Viral infection – 24 hours
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhoea – 48 hours after their last symptom.
  • On antibiotics for any illness – until at least 24 hours after treatment has started and the child is well or at the Centre Managers discretion.
  • A fever (temperature of 38 degrees and above) – until the fever has come down and no pain relief or similar, is needed for 12 hours.
  • If a child has a rash with a fever or behavioural change – until a doctor has determined the illness is not an infectious disease.
• If whānau are called to collect their tamaiti due to illness, they must do so as soon as possible. If whānau are unable to do so they must then organise someone else to collect their tamaiti. Tamariki are able to isolate in the office.
• If a tamaiti has an illness not covered in this policy, kaiako will refer to the infectious disease chart to determine the infection period, which will determine how long a tamaiti must stay away from the Centre. If the illness is not listed on the infectious disease chart the local Public Health Nurse will be consulted.
• If a tamaiti becomes unwell while at the Centre they will be isolated from other tamariki and watched over by a staff member until collected by whānau.
• Our Centre Manager will report gastro or respiratory (influenza, strep throat, whooping cough) outbreaks (15% of roll numbers – 10 tamariki) to SO-NPHS-OnCallHPO@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Teething Procedure

• Kaiako will provide teething rings or necklaces for their tamaiti as necessary.
• Kaiako can administer natural pain relief. For example, Weleda Teething Powder, The Nude Alchemist Teething Tamer etc for tamariki in accordance with our Medicines Policy.
• The Ministry of Health states that symptoms such as colds, diarrhoea, raised temperature above 38.5˚C or nappy rash are not considered to be related to teething and will be treated in accordance with our illness procedure.
• Kaiako require open communication with whānau to ensure information regarding what pain relief has been administered to tamariki prior to their attendance each day.
• In cases where the pain from teething is so intense it impacts on the ability of the tamaiti to fully participate in the programme, the Centre Manager reserves the right to request that whānau keep their tamaiti at home until they are well.

Immunisation Procedures

The Health (Immunisation) Regulations 1995 require that accurate immunisation records are kept of all tamariki on the roll.

• The Ministry of Health requires all licensed Early Childhood Centres to sight and record each tamaiti immunisation certificate, or in the case of a tamaiti under 15 months old, once that tamaiti reaches the required age.
• The Immunisation Certificate must be completed and signed by the child’s family doctor or nurse. The Immunisation Certificate is completed when the child is 15 months of age (because they are fully vaccinated) and again after they have been immunised at 4 years of age, before the child starts school.
• These records will be maintained on the Centre computer file and will remain confidential. The Office Administrator is responsible for recording this information.
• In the case of an outbreak, any tamaiti who is not immunised must be removed from the Centre until the incubation period of the disease is past and no further cases are reported.

Administration of Medicine

There are three categories of medicine that require different authorizations from whānau:

Category 1: A category (i) medicine is a non-prescription preparation (such as arnica cream, antiseptic cream, insect bite treatment) that is not ingested, used for the ‘first aid’ treatment of minor injuries and provided by the service and kept in the first aid cabinet. (Written authority upon enrolment.)

Category 2: Category (ii) medicines are prescription (such as antibiotics, eye/ear drops etc) or non-prescription (such as paracetamol liquid, cough syrup etc) medicine that is used for a specific period of time, short term, to treat a specific condition or symptom, provided by a whānau for the use of that child only or, in relation to Rongoa Māori (Māori plant medicines), that is prepared by other adults at the service (Written authority is required at the beginning of each day and will include the name of the medication, the method for administering, the dose, and the time medication is to be given.). Whānau must sign the medication out at the end of the day too.

Category 3: Prescription and non-prescription (used for the ongoing treatment of pre-diagnosed conditions). To be filled in if your child requires medication as part of an individual health plan, for example for an on-going condition such as asthma or eczema etc and is for the use of that child only.
(Written authority is required upon enrolment as part of an Individual Health Plan which will include name of the medication, the method for administering, the dose, the time the medication is to be given, and the specific symptoms/circumstances in which it should be given.)

• All medicine bottles must be correctly labelled with the tamaiti name and expiry date.
• All Category 2 or 3 medication must be handed directly to a staff member, who will place it out of the reach of tamariki (or in the refrigerator).
• Medication will not be given if it is out of date or has been prescribed to someone different than the tamaiti.
• All permanent staff are able to administer medication.
• All medication administered must be recorded including written authority from whānau to administer the medicine consistent with the medication category, the name of the medication, the tamaiti name, the amount of medicine given, the date and time medication was administered and by whom, and evidence of parent acknowledgement that the medication was administered (see Forms).
• The medicine books will be kept in the kitchen area of both the Awa and Maunga Room.
• Staff will be given appropriate training in the administration of specific medications as required. Details of this training will with health and safety documentation.
• Tamariki requiring special medication (e.g., diabetics), will have an Individual Health Plan written for them in consultation with the public health nurse and/or other relevant professionals.

Sick and/or Soiled Tamariki Procedures

There is space (away from where food is stored, prepared, or eaten) where a sick tamaiti can:

• be temporarily kept at a safe distance from other tamariki (to prevent cross-infection)
• lie down comfortably; and be comforted and supervised.
• be treated with dignity and respect.
• tamariki are welcome to isolate in the office if our ratios allow.

Universal Precautions for Infection Control

In the event of an accident, spillage or contact with any body fluids or discharge, the

following universal precautions will be followed:

• All broken skin areas (fresh, unhealed cuts or burns) must be covered with a waterproof, adhesive dressing.
• Gloves will be used when contact with mucous membranes (eyes, mouth), broken skin or moist body substances is likely to occur.
• Hands must be washed immediately with soap and water if they are potentially contaminated with moist body substances.
• Articles, furniture, and floors soiled with moist body substances will be cleaned and appropriately disinfected using household bleach (e.g., Janola) 1:10 (10mls in 90mls of water). This will be left on the area for 10 minutes and the spill wiped up with a cloth soaked in the solution.
• Soiled tamariki will be taken to the nappy changing area to be cleaned and changed.
• Staff will follow the nappy changing and toileting procedures.

Supervision of Tamariki Procedures

• Management will ensure adequate staff are present at all times to meet licensing requirements.
• Tamariki will be in the sight of an adult at all times. Staff will be rostered to ensure both indoors (including the toileting area) and outdoors have adequate supervision.
• Staff or adults visiting or working in the Centre will be well supervised and visible at all times.
• All visitors will be required to sign the designated book stating the time of arrival and departure and purpose of visit.
• When staff leave for morning and afternoon tea breaks, they must not leave until another staff member has covered their position.
• Staff involved in supervision must not leave tamariki unsupervised under any circumstances, unless relieved by another staff member.
• The Person Responsible is the Supervisor; if this person is not present then an alternative staff member will be asked to undertake this role on a temporary basis.

Links to: Licensing Criteria HS1-30

Date reviewed: August 2025