HS125 Child Protection Policy

This Child Protection Policy  meets the requirements of NZ ECE Licensing requirement HS125.  It provides a clear, practical framework to help your service keep children safe from harm and respond appropriately to concerns. It supports a strong culture of safety, accountability, and professional practice, while meeting regulatory and ethical expectations.

Designed for early learning and education settings, the policy clearly outlines staff responsibilities, acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, procedures for identifying and responding to abuse or neglect, and guidance on working alongside families and external agencies. It also supports staff to act confidently and consistently if concerns arise.

This policy is suitable for use across your service and can be adapted to reflect your local context, roles, and procedures.

This policy supports you to:

• Meet Child Protection and safeguarding obligations

• Clearly define staff roles, responsibilities, and boundaries

• Establish safe recruitment, induction, and supervision practices

• Respond appropriately to suspected or disclosed abuse

• Promote a child-safe culture across your service