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Planning
Before you start, do some research. Look through our information to find out everything from what our requirements are to how to choose your equipment and resources. Doing some research will help you make a plan and decide how to carry it out.
In particular, note that from 1 February 2023, unless excluded, anyone intending to establish a new licensed early childhood service will first need to apply for and be granted network approval by the Minister of Education.
Network management and approval
Information for starting a home-based service
You should also look at the Education Counts website to get an idea of how many and what types of early learning service are already in your area, to assess demand.
Information about early learning services – Education Counts
Talk to us
Once you have done your research, contact your regional Ministry office to talk to us. We will also explain more details about the application process and answer any questions you may have.
Talking to us gives your application the best chance of being successful.
Application form and fee
You will need to complete the application form EC1: Start a home-based service (see document below).
There is a non-refundable application fee of $2,817.50 (including GST).
EC1: Start a home-based serviceOther documents
You will need to provide additional documents related to your service management, staffing, and curriculum.
You can access a copy of the Supervised Early Childhood Facilities – Playground Equipment and Surfacing Handbook from Standards NZ at:
SNZ HB 5828.2:2006 – Standards New Zealand
Statutory declaration
You will need to declare that the information you have provided is true and sign it in front of an authorised witness.
Making a statutory declaration – Govt.nz
How to send us your form
You'll need to print the form. Scan and email or post your completed form (along with other required documents) to your regional Ministry office. You may like to keep a copy for your personal records.
If we need more information
If we need more information from you, we will contact you and ask you to provide it to us within 10 working days.
We will start assessing your application once we have received all the required information and payment of the application fee.
Visit to your proposed service
If you meet the requirements on the application form, we will contact you to make a time to visit some of your proposed homes. We will also visit your office so we can check any other relevant documents.
Before we visit, everything must be ready as if children are about to attend. For example, the education programme should be ready, furniture and equipment installed, and administrative systems in place.
Make sure the service provider contact person (and any other staff you want to be there) can be there when we visit.
During the visit, we will look at all aspects of your service, including:
- the homes
- the children's resources
- your teaching qualifications and ratio requirements
- health and safety considerations
- governance and management considerations.
We may take notes, photos, or other evidence to support our assessment.
For a full list of the areas, we will check, and other documents you will need to provide, see the home-based EC3 assessment tool.
The EC3 form is the tool we use to assess that your service is meeting regulatory requirements. It lists all the requirements that you must meet at all times.
To access the EC3 form for centre-based, home-based, hospital-based, and kōhanga reo services, contact your regional Ministry office.
How long does it take?
We will do our best to make a decision about whether your application is successful within 30 working days of receiving it.
We need all information before we can start assessing your application.
If your application is successful
If your application is successful, we will email or post you a licence. The licence shows details about your service, such as the hours children may attend.
You must make your licence accessible to parents and caregivers.
