Key messages

1. First and foremost, the Ministry of Education considers the health, safety and wellbeing of children. The Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008 46 Health and safety practices standard requires services to ‘take all reasonable steps to promote the good health and safety of children enrolled in the service’.


2. Hazards for ECE providers and children included oil products washed up on beaches and able to be smelt. Processes for managing hazards, ventilation, and outings can be used or modified to isolate, minimize or eliminate risks to children and adults.


3. Advice from the local and regional council, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry for the Environment should be followed. Services should regularly check their websites for updates.


4. Information is available from:
   
   
   
   • Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service | Bay of Plenty District Health Board : Rena Oil Spill
   
   
   • Maritime New Zealand
   
   
   • Bay of Plenty Regional Council
   
   
   • Tauranga City Council


5. ECE services should contact their local office with any specific questions.