Ensuring child attends suitable childcare
A young partner is required to ensure their child's attendance at an approved early childhood education programme or other suitable childcare while they are in education, training, work-based learning or part-time work.
Approved early childhood education programme
An approved (licensed or chartered) early childcare education centre or service includes:
- an early childhood centre licensed under the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008
- a care programme approved by the Minister of Education (this includes care in the child's own home)
- a Kōhanga Reo chartered by the Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust
- a fee charging kindergarten licensed by the Ministry of Education and affiliated to either the New Zealand Free Kindergarten Association Inc or the Kindergarten Federation or
- a fee charging playcentre licensed by the Ministry of Education and affiliated to the New Zealand Playcentre Federation
Generally a place in approved Early Childhood Education should be looked at first. Where a place in Early Childhood Education is not available or is not suitable (due to hours of operation or distance from their place of study) then other suitable childcare must be used.
Other suitable childcare
Suitable informal care may include family and friends.
The service provider or Work and Income 'in-house' service must be satisfied that the childcare is safe and appropriate for the needs of the child.
For more information see:
Legislation
- Obligations of young person granted young parent payment section 164 Social Security Act 2018
