HS222 Child Protection Policy

HS222 Child Protection Policy – Home-Based ECE

A comprehensive, licensing-aligned Child Protection Policy designed specifically for New Zealand home-based education and care services.

Protecting children is not optional — it is a legal and moral responsibility. This professionally written policy supports home-based educators, visiting teachers and coordinators to confidently meet Licensing Criterion HS222, the Children’s Act 2014, and the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989.

Designed specifically for the unique context of home-based care, this policy recognises that children are educated within private homes and provides clear guidance around supervision, safety checking of household members, visitor management, professional boundaries, and safeguarding practices.

What This Policy Covers

Clear legal alignment

• HS222 Licensing Criterion

• Children’s Act 2014

• Oranga Tamariki Act 1989

• Section 15 & 16 reporting protections

Defined roles and responsibilities

• Designated Person for Child Protection (DPCP)

• Educators, Visiting Teachers, Coordinators

• Contractors, volunteers and household members

Home-Based Specific Safeguards

• Safety checking of adults residing in educators’ homes

• Visitor supervision requirements

• Professional boundaries and “blurring of lines” guidance

• Monitoring of supervision practices

The 4 Rs Framework

• Recognising abuse and neglect

• Responding appropriately

• Reporting to Oranga Tamariki or Police

• Recording factual information

Practical Appendices Included

• Guidelines for identifying possible abuse or neglect

• Record of Concern / Disclosure template

• Definitions aligned to legislation

Why This Policy Matters for Home-Based Services

Home-based care brings children into close relationships within family environments. This policy ensures:

• Children’s safety and wellbeing remain the primary consideration

• Clear reporting pathways are understood by all adults

• Staff know how to respond without investigating

• Information is shared appropriately and lawfully

• Educators feel supported when raising concerns

It provides confidence during audits, ERO reviews, and internal evaluations by demonstrating that your service has robust child protection systems in place.

Ready to Use

• Fully editable Word document

• Clearly structured and easy to customise

• Includes placeholders for service-specific details

• Suitable for induction and ongoing staff training