Purpose
To ensure ECE staff understand and fulfil mandatory reporting obligations when they have reasonable grounds to believe a child is being, or is at risk of being, abused or neglected.
Scope
All ECE teaching staff, managers, and volunteers working directly with children.
Procedure steps
Recognise indicators
Be alert to signs of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or neglect. Trust your professional judgement. You do not need proof — reasonable grounds are sufficient.
Do not investigate
Do not question the child in a way that could be seen as investigative. Listen, don't lead. Record exactly what the child says in their own words.
Consult your designated person
Talk to your designated child protection person (DCP) or centre manager immediately. Do not delay if there is immediate risk.
Make a report to Oranga Tamariki
Call the Oranga Tamariki national contact line: 0508 326 459. You can report anonymously. The obligation to report cannot be delegated away.
Document the concern
Record: date, time, what you observed or heard, exact words used by the child, who was present, actions taken. Keep records secure and separate from general files.
Notify parents — with caution
Do not notify parents if doing so could increase risk to the child or compromise the investigation. Seek guidance from Oranga Tamariki before notifying.
Follow up
Oranga Tamariki will advise on next steps. Continue monitoring. Document all subsequent observations.
Legislation
| Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 s15 | Every person who believes a child has been or is likely to be harmed must report this to a social worker or constable |
| Children's Act 2014 s15 | Specified organisations must have child protection policies and train staff on them |
| ECE Licensing Criteria GMA7 | Services must have documented procedures for responding to suspected child abuse |
📋 Customise before use — Add your DCP's name and contact, your centre's Oranga Tamariki local office details, and your documentation template reference.
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