Abusing a Teacher, Insulting, or Intimidating Staff

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Abusing a teacher is not permitted.

Any parent or person who intentionally insults, abuses, or intimidates staff from an early childhood centre within the presence or hearing of any child at the centre or where the children are gathered, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000.00.  (Education and Training Act 2020)

As the wording regarding abusing a teacher within The Act is “centre”, this may not apply to home-based services – but the interpretation would need to be tested in court to be sure.

Failing to meet minimum standards

The Ministry of Education needs to know:

  • If you are concerned children’s needs are not being met.
  • If you are concerned a service is not meeting a minimum legal requirement.

READ MORE: How to make a complaint and your options.


CAUTION: This page and the information here is provided as part of the My ECE Guide to Regulations and Licensing Criteria for Early Childhood Education Services (The Guide).  The Guide does not purport to be a full and accurate interpretation of all statutory provisions relating to early childhood education services. While best efforts have been used in preparing this guide, no representations or warranties of any kind are made and My ECE assumes no liabilities of any kind with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the content. Please note that the Government and Ministry of Education may change, update, or alter any of the requirements at any time.  Please help to keep the information on this page up to date by letting us know of changes that need to be made.
Thank you!  Kia pai te rā

Reference:
Abusing a Teacher, Insulting, or Intimidating Staff. Published in the My ECE Guide to Regulations and Licensing Criteria for Early Childhood Education Services, prepared by Dr Sarah Alexander and Warwick Marshall.

Last reviewed: 20 November 2022

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