DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT POLICY
THE CITY OF CAPE TOWN
DRAFT POLICY
March 2013
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
Contents
REFERENCE CODES ................................................................................................................................................................ 4
DOCUMENT CONTROL .......................................................................................................................................................... 4
ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................................................................................................... 4
DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY ........................................................................................................................................ 4
1. PROBLEM STATEMENT...................................................................................................................................................... 6
2. DESIRED OUTCOMES......................................................................................................................................................... 7
3. STRATEGIC INTENT ............................................................................................................................................................ 8
3.1 INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN ............................................................................................................................ 8
3.2. CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY AND ONECAPE 2040 ................................................................................................ 8
3.3. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY(DRAFT)................................................................................................................ 8
4. POLICY PARAMETERS ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
5. ROLE PLAYERS AND STAKEHOLDERS ................................................................................................................................. 9
6. REGULATORY CONTEXT ................................................................................................................................................ 111
6.1. CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, 1996 ................................................................................. 111
6.2. LOCAL GOVERNMENT MUNICIPAL SYSTEMS ACT (ACT NO 32 OF 2000) ................................................................. 12
6.3. LOCAL GOVERNMENT MUNICIPAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ACT (ACT NO 56 OF 2003) .................................... 12
6.4. CHILDREN’S ACT, NO 38 OF 2005 (AS AMENDED) ................................................................................................... 12
6.5. CITY OF CAPE TOWN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH BY-LAW ....................................................................................... 12
6.6. CITY OF CAPE TOWN- ZONING SCHEME REGULATIONS .......................................................................................... 13
6.7. UN CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD .................................................................................................. 133
6.8. IMPLEMENTATION PROTOCOL AGREEMENT ........................................................................................................... 13
6.9. NATIONAL BUILDING REGULATIONS AND BUILDING STANDARDS ACT (No 103 of 1977, Amended in 1995 ( act 49
o 1996) ............................................................................................................................................................................ 13
6.10. GUIDELINES FOR EARLY CHLDHOOD DEVELOPMENT ,2006. ............................................................................... 133
6.11. INTEGRATED PROVINCIAL EALRY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY,2012 .................................................. 13
6.12 OTHER RELEVENT POLICIES…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………14
7. POLICY DIRECTIVE DETAILS ............................................................................................................................................. 14
7.1 Basket of services ...................................................................................................................................................... 14
7.2. Facilitation and support in the registration of ECD centres with PGWC ................................................................. 14
7.3. One-Stop Shop services application process ........................................................................................................... 15
7.4. Construct and maintain ECD centres ....................................................................................................................... 16
7.5Training and capacity building of ECD practitioners, caregivers and parents……..…………………………………………………...16
7.6 EPWP………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..16
8. IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME……………………………………..………………………………………….………………………………..…………16
9. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REVIEW ..................................................................................................................... 16
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
9.1. Monitoring ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………………...………..16
9.2. Evaluation………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………16
9.3. Review …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..16
9.4. Implementation plan………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………17
10. Annexure 1: Application process flow……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..18
11. Annexure 2: Land use management…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………19
12. Annexure 3: Standard Health Requirements…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...24
13. Annexure 4: Requirements for clearance from the fire department…………………………………………………………………….....27
14. Annexure 5: Building regulations……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..28
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
REFERENCE CODES
( to be added)
DOCUMENT CONTROL
Version: Draft
Status: Not approved
Review date: March 2013
Director Responsible: Andile Wotshela (SPO)
Contact details: 021 417 4088, andile.wotshela@capetown.gov.za
ABBREVIATIONS
CDS
CoCT
CTZS
ECD
EPWP
IDP
Mayco
M&E
NELDS
NGO
NPO
SDBIP
SDECD
SDS
PGWC DSD
VPUU
City Development Strategy
City of Cape Town
Cape Town Zoning Scheme
Early Childhood Development
Expanded Public Works Programme
Integrated Development Plan
Mayoral Committee
Monitoring and Evaluation
National Learning and Development Standards.
Non-Governmental Organisation
No-Profit Organisation
Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan
Directorate of Social Development and Early Childhood Development
Social Development Strategy
Provincial Government of the Western Cape-Department of Social Development
Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrade.
DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY
A toilet to be considered suitable by the Water and Sanitation division of the City
Approved toilet
for a particular area.
Provides for a hub of different activities ECD services; training facility;
Centres of
opportunities for sharing; networking; and supporting application of the acquired
Excellence
knowledge; mentoring support to small ECD Centres. It accommodates between
250 to 300 Children.
Certificate of
A certificate to a premise which provides meals and is in compliance.
Acceptability
The rapid onset of loose stools with or without accompanying symptoms such as
Diarrhoea
nausea, vomiting, fever or abdominal pain.
In terms of the Children’s Act Early Childhood Development is regarded as the
ECD
process of emotional, cognitive, sensory, spiritual, moral, physical, social and
communication development of children from birth to school going age.
Partial Care facility. Included in the definition of “Partial Care”, as per the Children’s Act, No 38 of
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
2005. Partial care is defined as:
“Partial care is provided when a person, whether for or without reward, takes care
of more than six children on behalf of their parents or care-givers during specific
hours of the day or night, or for a temporary period, by agreement between the
parents or care-givers and the provider of the service, but excludes the care of a
child; ”
According to the Guidelines for Early Childhood Development Services (2006) the
term refers to all ECD education and training development practitioners i.e.
ECD Practitioner
educators; trainers; lecturers; care-givers; and development officers including
those qualified by their experience, and who are involved in providing services in
homes, centres and schools.
Services that intended to promote early childhood development; and which are
provided by a person, other than a child’s parent or caregiver, on a regular basis to
ECD Services
children up to school-going age. These ECD services encompass Health, Social,
Education and Physical development of a child.
Emergency treatment administered to an injured or sick person before
First Aid
professional medical care is available. First aid can be anything from saving one’s
life to putting on a plaster.
Any first aid qualification which meets the following criteria:
 It must be nationally set by a reputable body
 It must involve training of at least two days or 16 hours in duration.
 The qualification would be examined or assessed [rather than being based
upon attendance].
 It would be valid for no longer than 3 years.
First Aid certificate
 It covers the following topic areas in some detail:
 Principles of first aid.
 Initial response to first aid situation.
 Emergency life support.
 C.P.R.
 Shock, Choking, Bleeding, Burns, Fractures, Minor injuries
It is a collection of supplies and equipment for use in giving first aid, particular in
First Aid Kit
an emergency:
The use of portion of a dwelling house or outbuildings by the occupant to provide
Home Child Care
day care, after school care or instruction for a limited number of infants or
(as per the CTZS)
children.
Land Tenure
System to determine the ownership right to a resource i.e. Land
A legal contract entered between the City of Cape Town and an NGO operator
Lease agreement
rendering Early Childhood Development service from a Council owned facility
Minimum physical Acceptable physical and administrative conditions that have to be maintained in
standards
order to operate an ECD centre.
Means land which is designated as public open space, under the ownership of
Council or other public authority, with or without access control, and which is set
Public open space aside for the public as an open space for recreation or outdoor sport, including a
park, playground, public or urban square, picnic area, public garden, nature area;
and includes ancillary buildings, infrastructure and uses
A plastic container containing a liquid substance to aid the washing of hands
Squeezy bottle
Waterborne
sewerage system
A toilet facility linked to the Municipal sewer system or to any approved On-Site
Drainage system such as a conservancy tank or septic tank-soak-away
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
Zoning
One Stop shop
Means a category of directions setting out the purpose for which land may be used
and the land use restrictions applicable in respect of the said category of directions
Central co-ordination and processing point for new applications within Council for
the registration of ECD centres by Provincial Government.
1.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
1.1.
The importance on intervention in ECD.
Research in South Africa and internationally indicates that the early years are critical for human
development. From birth to seven years is a period of rapid physical, mental, emotional, social and
moral growth and development. The early years of a child’s life are a time when they acquire
concepts, skills and attitudes that lay the foundation for lifelong learning. These include the
acquisition of language, perceptual motor skills required for learning to read and write, basic
numeracy concepts and skills, problem-solving skills, a love of learning and the establishment and
maintenance of relationships. Evaluations of well-conceived programs designed to foster early
development demonstrate that children who participate in these programs tend to be more
successful in later school, are more competent socially and emotionally, and show better verbal,
intellectual and physical development during early childhood than children who are not enrolled in
high quality programs. :
1.2.
Current challenges with ECD provision in Cape Town.
Early Childhood Development services that are rendered in a secure and nurturing environment help
to release parents, women in particular to have time to seek employment opportunities in the job
market. In addition, operating an ECD service within a community provides income-generating
opportunities for most women, especially in communities with less socio-economic index.
According to the findings of an audit of unregistered ECD Facilities in the Western Cape 2011, many
of the practitioners and less so of the principals of the unregistered sites are relatively inexperienced
in the ECD field.
The location of so many unregistered sites in houses, garages and backyarders structures is a
challenge for improvements to infrastructure. These unregistered ECD Centres fail to meet the
infrastructure requirements such as health and safety as set out in the Children’s Act No 38, 2005 (as
amended)
Education equipment and material is lacking in poorer areas, which limits children’s opportunities
for play and development.
Financial record keeping and budgeting is limited, as it in registered ECD sites, there is a need to
tighten up on staff policies and on medicine and accident and incident books.
There is a need for continued attention is management training to develop sustainable ECD centres
that the needs of the communities.
1.3.
Co-ordination challenges.
In order to ensure a seamless service to the ECD sector both provincial and local government have
the role.
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
1.3.1. Provincial Department of Social Development:
1.3.1.1. Must register ECD Centres and keep a provincial register of all registered early childhood
development services.
1.3.1.2. Must register ECD curriculum programme.
1.3.1.3. Determine the provisioning of subsidy to registered ECD centres.
1.3.1.4. Monitor the provision of registered and non-registered ECD services
1.3.1.5. Cancel registration certificate for non-compliance.
1.3.1.6. Provide support and guidance to ECD services in the Province.
1.3.2. Local government:
1.3.2.1. Issue land use rights through provision of zoning certificates.
1.3.2.2. Approval of building plans.
1.3.2.3. Assess and provide Health and Safety certificates.
Unfortunately, there is a lack of co-ordination between City and Province which results in longer and
registration times and unclear processes.
There is also a lack of co-ordination of services rendered by various City Directorates.
An approved ECD policy will set clear parameters, ensure uniformity and better co-ordination and
management of resources.
1.4.
Why the policy is reviewed.
There is a need for a policy due to changes in the Cape Town Zoning Scheme. In addition, a more
integrated policy is needed to address the current challenges. City of Cape Town new zoning scheme
became effective on 1 March 2013; the general purpose of this zoning scheme is to determine use
rights and to provide for control over the utilization of land in the area of jurisdiction of the City of
Cape Town. Furthermore, it will ensure greater co-ordination and provide clear guidelines for
integration between internal departments.
2.
DESIRED OUTCOMES
The overarching objective is to increase the number of children that get access to registered ECD
Centres, which are compliant with safety, health requirements and meet the educational
development needs of a child. In this way the, the City aims to provide a firm education foundation
for children that enter formal schooling system.
2.1.
2.2
2.3
2.4
Increase number of registered ECD facilities through facilitating part of the registration process
using the one-stop shop model.
Improve the time taken for registration through internal and external collaboration.
Expand and facilitate integrated ECD services through internal and external collaboration.
Improve awareness and training on ECD needs for external stakeholders.
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3.
STRATEGIC INTENT
3.1
INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The ECD Programme is core focus of the IDP. It forms part of the Strategic Focus area of a Caring
City, Objective 3.1. However, a successful in ECD programme has long term benefit which leads to
the development of Opportunities, Well-run city, safe city and Inclusive City
3.2.
CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY AND ONECAPE 2040
3.2.1. The City Development Strategy (CDS) is OneCape2040 Agenda which was developed between City
and Province as part of a 30 year strategy for the City. It is informed by the identified six ‘transitions’
which articulates the vision for the Western Cape region.
3.2.2. City of Cape Town ECD policy is aligned to the OneCape2040’s vision of Knowledge transition that
puts forward a goal that every person will have access to a good education that will ensure he or she
is appropriately skilled for opportunity.
According to the OneCape2040 vision, the primary change lever is collaboration between parents
and teachers to improve the learning and development environment of children.
In order to give effect to the realization of the knowledge transition goal, the ECD policy provides set
guidelines for the provision of an on-going support to the ECD sector to ensure continuous
improvement in the quality of ECD services.
3.2.3. The ECD policy is also aligned with the ‘Settlement Transition’. The goal of this transition is to build
‘healthy, accessible, liveable multi-opportunity communities’.
3.3.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (Draft)
The Social Development Strategy (SDS) articulates the role of the City in promoting and maximising
social development. Social development is understood broadly as the overall improvement and
enhancement in the quality of life of all people, especially people who are poor or marginalised.
3.3.1. The third high-level objective of the SDS is to “support the most vulnerable through enhancing
access to infrastructure and social services”. One of the key levers identified to achieve this is a
“Focus on Early Childhood Development (ECD) services”.
3.3.2. This policy incorporates the approach of the SDS and the directives on ECDs.
3.3.3
The SDS include ECD centre provision in informal settlement upgrade projects in order to ensure
that very poor children have access to facilities that are safe, have adequate water and sanitation
facilities and meet the standards set out in the Children’s Act. In order to give effect to the above,
there must be closer collaboration between Spatial Planning, Environment; Fire Department,
Sustainable Communities Unit, Urban renewal programme and SDECD.
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4.
POLICY PARAMETERS
4.1.
This policy is to be used to guide the One-Stop shop service for the registration of ECD centres and
assessment of proposals for the development or establishment of ECD centres in the Cape Town, as
well as the subsequent operational management of and support to such centres after establishment,
as well as to provide guidance to existing centres. The policy applies city-wide.
4.2.
This policy addresses all facets of ECD facilities, including those that operate in the less formal
settlements but does not deal with facilities relating to formal schooling, with the only exception
being aftercare services. The policy also seeks to provide an inter-departmental co-ordination in
support of the formalization or registration of partial care facilities by the Western Cape Department
of Social Development across the Cape Town Metropolitan area.
4.3
Transversal implications.
This policy has transversal implications, it is essential that the following City directorates namely,
Social Development and ECD, Health, Community Services, Safety and Security, Human settlements,
Economic, Environmental and Spatial Planning work collaboratively.
5.
ROLE PLAYERS AND STAKEHOLDERS
The following role players are identified for the purpose of implementing the Policy provisions
5.1.
ECD programme, SDECD.
5.1.1. The ECD Programme shall be responsible for championing the implementing of this policy.
5.1.2. The ECD Programme shall also coordinate the inter-departmental ECD Task team to ensure
collaboration between City directorates. The team shall be structured to give effect to and positive
impact to realization of this policy’s directives.
5.2.
Health Directorate
5.2.1.
Environmental Health is responsible for the assessment of ECD Centres and issuing of Health
Clearance Certificates.
5.2.2
Primary Health Care for pregnant women and children under 6 is provided by City Health through a
service level agreement with the Provincial Government of the Western Cape. Health services are
very important for a successful ECD programme.
5.3.
Planning and Building Development Management Department: Economic, Environmental &
Spatial Planning Directorate
5.3.1. Planning and Building Development Management Department is responsible for the approval of the
building plans and issues land rights certificate.
5.4
Community Services Directorate.
(City Parks, Sport and Recreation and Library and Information Services).
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
5.4.1
City Parks is responsible for providing safe and well-resourced community parks where children and
caregivers can gather for ECD activities.
5.4.2
Sport, Recreation and Amenities Department is responsible for providing community facilities for the
implementation of children’s programme such as “come and play” programme which are for
children between 2-5 years old. The community facilities are also be used to implement ECD
capacity building training sessions.
5.4.3
Library and Information Services is responsible for the provision of well-resourced Child-friendly
library areas such as the Funda Udlale model in Harare Square library. A library and Information
service also provides an on-going support to ECD toy libraries, holiday programmes, active reading
and story-telling programmes.
5.5.
Safety and Security Directorate.
5.5.1
Fire and Emergency services assess the ECD facility for its compliance with the National Building
Regulation and issues Fire Safety Certificates.
5.6.
Sub councils:
5.6.1
Several Sub-councils provide Grant funding to registered ECD centres such as funding for ECD
educational materials.
5.6.2
Sub-councils keep an updated database of the ECD sector NGOs that fall within the areas of its
jurisdiction.
5.6.3
After an open public participation process, Sub-council approves the appointment of registered ECD
NGOs to operate from Council owned ECD facilities that fall within the areas of its jurisdiction.
5.7
Finance Directorate.
5.7.1. Property Management Department is responsible for signing of lease agreement or facility
management agreement between City of Cape Town and appointed registered ECD NGO that
operates from Council owned facility.
5.8
ECD forums.
5.8.1. An ECD forum is a voluntary organization for local ECD centres which serves as a representative body
for community ECD centres and is governed by it is governed by its Constitution. An ECD forum also
co-ordinates ECD sector at community and managed this sector’s inputs or comments on ECD policy
matters.
5.9.
Provincial Government
5.9.1. The Department of Social Development in the Western Cape Provincial Government: Provide
support and guidance to ECD services in the Province.
5.9.1.1. Must register ECD Centres and keep an updated Provincial register of all registered early childhood
development services.
5.9.1.2. Must register ECD Programme.
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
5.9.1.3. Determine and administer the provisioning of subsidy to registered ECD centres in the Province.
5.9.1.4. Monitor the provision of registered and non-registered ECD services
5.9.1.5. Cancel registration certificate for non-compliance.
5.9.2. The City shall partner with the PGWC to provide holistic and integrated ECD services and address
backlogs and challenges related to the ECD registration processes.
5.10.
Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading
VPUU has an ECD model called the Emthonjeni. This Emthonjeni model offers an affordable way to
integrate ECD provision and other services into urban upgrading developments of informal
settlements.
This model is premised on the following:
5.10.1. In areas where the provision of ECD institution is not possible due to financial or space constraints
such informal settlements public spaces are made fit to suit ECD outreach in the public realm.
5.10.2. ECD resources centres are provided at strategic locations to support the Emthonjeni and institutional
care model with skills development, resources such as toy libraries and training materials all with a
geographical focus area.
5.11.
Other interested stakeholders include:
5.11.1.
5.11.2.
5.11.3.
5.11.4.
5.11.5.
Institutions of high learning.
ECD training providers/NPO.
Sub-councils.
Private business sector.
Communities.
6.
REGULATORY CONTEXT
6.1.
CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, 1996
6.1.1. Section 28 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa specifies the rights of children
including, the right….
(a) To a name and a nationality from birth;
(b) To family care or parental care, or to appropriate alternative care when removed from
the family Environment;
(c) To basic nutrition, shelter, basic health care services and social services;
(d) To be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation;
6.1.2. Section 28 (2) also requires that a child’s ‘best interests’ are of paramount importance in every
matter concerning the child.
6.1.3
Section 152(1) (b) compels local government to ensure the provision of services to communities in a
sustainable manner.
6.1.4. Section 152 (1) (c) makes provision for promotion of social and economic development of
communities.
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
6.1.5. In terms of Schedule 4, Part B of the Constitution, local authorities have legislative competence to
pass legislation (which includes policy) relating to child care facilities. In addition, municipal planning
(which includes regulating land uses for child care facilities) is designated as a function and
competency of local government.
6.2.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT MUNICIPAL SYSTEMS ACT, ACT NO 32 OF 2000.
6.2.1. Section 4 (2) (j) of the Municipal Systems Act states that the council of municipality, within the
municipality’s financials and administrative capacity and having regard to practical considerations,
has the duty to contribute, together with other organs of state, to the progressive realisation of the
fundamental rights contained in section 27 of the Constitution.
6.3.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT MUNICIPAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ACT, ACT NO 56 OF 2003.
6.3.1. Chapter 8: ‘General financial management functions’ of the Municipal Finance Management Act
states that “the accounting officer of a municipality is responsible for managing the financial
administration of the municipality and for this purpose take all reasonable steps to ensure that“ the
resources of the municipality are used effectively, efficiently and economically.”
6.4.
CHILDREN’S ACT, NO 38 OF 2005.
6.4.1. The Children’s Act forms the context for this policy and the City of Cape Town’s position on ECD
matters. The aim of this Act includes provision for early childhood development, partial care of
children, child and youth care centres and drop-in centres.
6.4.2
Section 76 of the Act defines partial care as: “when a person, whether for or without reward, takes
care of more than six children on behalf of their parents or care-givers during specific hours of the
day or night, or for a temporary period, by agreement between the parents or care-givers and the
provider of the service, but excludes the care of a child:
6.4.2.1. by a school as part of tuition, training and other activities provided by the school;
6.4.2.2 as a boarder in a school hostel or other residential facility managed as part of a school; or
6.4.2.3 by a hospital or other medical facility as part of medical treatment provided to the child.”
6.4.3. Section 79 of the Act requires norms and standards for partial care (which include a safe environment
for children), while Section 80 requires facilities to be registered with the Provincial Government.
6.5.
CITY OF CAPE TOWN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH BY-LAW OF 2003
6.5.1. The City of Cape Town’s Environmental Health By-law includes reference to childcare facilities, which
are defined as: “any building or premises maintained or used, whether for profit or otherwise, for
the temporary or partial care of children under 18 years of age apart from their parents, but does
not include any boarding school, school hostel or any establishment which is maintained or used for
the tuition or training of children and which is controlled by or which has been registered or
approved by the State.”
6.5.2. The by-law also requires the approval of all child care facilities by the City of Cape Town’s Health
Department. This is set out in Section 31(1) of the by-law, which states that:
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
“No childcare facility may be operated without the written approval of the Executive Director: City
Health, which approval may be subject to conditions.”
6.5.3. As part of such approval with/from the City of Cape Town’s Health Department, it is a pre-requisite
that all land use approvals (when applicable) and approval from the Fire department should be in
place before applications in terms of the above can be considered.
6.6.
CITY OF CAPE TOWN- ZONING SCHEME REGULATIONS OF 2013.
6.6.1. A unified Cape Town Zoning Scheme (CTZS) has been approved.
6.6.2. Section 39 and 40 of the Land Use Planning Ordinance, No 15 of 1985, requires compliance to zoning
schemes from land owners. It furthermore requires that transgressors be prosecuted.
6.6.3
ECD Centres may operate from in the areas where land has been appropriately zoned for the
purposes or may apply for land consent use.
6.7.
UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
6.7.1. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child was ratified by South Africa in 1995.
6.7.2
By agreeing to undertake the obligations of the Convention, governments commit to protecting and
ensuring children's rights. States parties to the Convention are obliged to develop and undertake all
actions and policies in the light of the ‘best interests of the child’.
6.8.
IMPLEMENTATION PROTOCOL AGREEMENT
The City of Cape Town and the Provincial Government of the Western Cape via its Department of
Social Development entered into an implementation protocol for purposes of executing projects and
initiatives in support of addressing the developmental needs of communities and individuals either
in collaboration with each other or their own. (Section 35 (1) of the Intergovernmental Relations
Framework Act, 2005 (Act 13 of 2005). The Implementation Protocol Agreement is updated
annually.
6.9.
NATIONAL BUILDING REGULATIONS AND BUILDING STANDARDS, ACT NO 103 of 1977, amended in
1995 Act NO 49 of 1996
6.9.1. The Act states that “when a fire protection plan is required in terms of this Act by the local authority,
the building control officer concerned shall incorporate in his recommendations referred to in
subsection (1)(a) a report of the person designated as the chief fire officer by such local authority, or
any other person to whom such duty has been assigned by such chief fire officer, and if such building
control officer has also been designated as the chief fire officer concerned, he himself shall so report
in such recommendations”.
6.10. GUIDELINES FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, 2006.
6.10.1. Chapter 5 states that ECD centres that meet most of the minimum standards should receive
conditional registration certificate and be eligible for subsidies to enable them to reach at least the
minimum standards.
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6.11. INTEGRATED PROVINCIAL EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY.
6.11.1 This policy is aligned with the Integrated Provincial ECD Strategy on developing a range of quality,
developmentally appropriate inclusive ECD programmes that promote the care, protection and
development of all children to their full potential, particularly their intellectual development in
respect of mathematical concepts and language acquisition, with a focus on home language and
English.
6.12. Other relevant policies:
6.12.1. National Early Learning and Development Standards for Children from birth to four years (NELDS).
6.12.1.1. NELDS advocates for the growth and development of young children that is holistic and include
health, welfare, rights, and education, care and diversity issues.
6.12.2. Education white paper 5 on Early Childhood Development Education in South Africa, 2001.
6.12.2.1 It states that the kinds of opportunities that children are offered for language and literacy
development, the development of numeracy and other mathematical concepts and the
development of critical thinking skills must meet children’s needs at their particular stage of
development.
6.12.3. City of Cape Town Land Use Enforcement Policy, this policy guides the Land Use enforcement
officials in the planning and building development department throughout the City who are required
to enforce the law as well as planners and building inspectors.
7.
POLICY DIRECTIVE DETAILS
7.1.
Basket of services
7.1.1. SDECD shall provide an on-going support to the ECD sector in line with its basket of service, namely,
assist with ECD centres registration, provide capacity building training opportunities such as child
wellness and nutrition, parenting skills, First Aid and child safety for ECD practitioners, care-givers
and parents, conduct regular surveys/audits on registered and unregistered ECD centres in
conjunction with Province, construct and maintain council owned ECD centres, contribute to ECD
curriculum development and assist non-complying ECD centres and act against on-going noncompliance. Implement joint ECD project with other Directorate such Foetal Alcohol Syndrome,
Children with Disability, Street Children and Orphans.
7.1.2. SDECD shall participate in the Inter-governmental ECD workstream in order to co-ordinate new
projects, address challenges and share information to ensure alignment in the provision of services.
7.1.3. SDECD shall establish and support ECD forums in order to help them to be able co-ordinate and
manage the forums and raise awareness on importance of ECD programme at local level.
7.2
Facilitation and support in the registration of ECD centres with Province through a One-Stop shop
model.
7.2.1
SDECD shall co-ordinate the internal ECD task team which will facilitate the ECD One-Stop service.
7.2.2
SDECD shall facilitate and support in the ECD registration process through its One-Stop shop service
to address gaps and problems; deal with blockages and provide a step by step registration process
advice and guidance to the unregistered ECD Centres.
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
7.3.
One-Stop application process:
7.3.1
An applicant submit the application form with accompanying documents Annexure 1: new
application process flow, the application form is evaluated in terms of land use requirements using
annexure 2 and Annexure 2.2 Land Use Management requirements.
7.3.2. Planning and building development Department will also assess the application in terms of
Annexure 2.3: Criteria for assessing the application forms.
7.3.3. Annexure 2.4 set out possible conditions of approval with a land use application.
7.3.4. Health Department assesses the application form in terms of Annexure 3: Standard Health
requirements.
7.3.5. Fire and Safety Department assesses the application using Annexure 4: Requirements for Fire safety
clearance.
7.3.6. Annexure 5: Building regulation sets out guidance on the use of shipping containers and
prefabricated structure.
SDECD, as part of its One-stop shop service shall provide a face to face interaction with the applicant
and apply a step by step approach to provide guidance on the application process.
7.3.6.1 Refer to annexure 1 on new applications process flow.
7.3.6.2. Refer to annexure 2 on land use management requirements.
7.3.6.3. Refer to annexure 3 standards for health requirements.
7.3.6.4. Refer to annexure 4 requirements for clearance from Fire Department.
7.3.6.5. Refer to annexure 5 building regulations.
City of Cape Town will work collaboratively with Provincial government of the Western Cape and
embark on ECD registration campaigns to educate and bring awareness on importance of ECD
registration as set out in the Children’s Act and registration procedures.
7.4.
Construct and maintain ECDs centres
SECD shall construct new ECD Centres on Council owned land and maintain the existing Council
owned ECD Centres. The construction programme the ECD centres shall be aligned to the findings of
the 2010 audit conducted by CSIR on location and location on ECD Centres in the Metro.
City of Cape Town shall construct different typologies of ECD centres depending on the yield of the
portion of the land available.
Upon the completion of an open public participation process, City of Cape Town will conclude of
Facility Management agreement or Lease agreement with an appointed registered ECD NGO to
operate from Council owned ECD Facility. SDECD shall provide on-going support to the newly
established centre such as capacity building of the staff and provision of educational and toy
materials including outside play equipment.
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
7.5.
Training and capacity building of ECD practitioners, caregivers and parents
In line with its basket of services, SDECD will provide accredited training and capacity building
opportunities such as Accredited First Aid, Organizational or effective administrative skills. Provision
of SABS approved First Aid kits and educational and Toy material to improve quality of curricula
development that focuses on numeracy, literacy and social skills.
7.6
EPWP.
SECD will tap into EPWP funds to create job opportunities at community level by implementing ECD
Centre cleaning and ECD Registration projects
8.
IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME
The provisions of this policy will apply immediately when it is approved by Council.
9.
MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REVIEW
In order to ensure effectiveness, relevance and efficiency of the ECD program, there will be an ongoing monitoring of the implementation. Evaluation will be done in collaboration with other external
stakeholders. Review will encompass the results of monitoring and evaluation processes.
9.1
Monitoring
9.1.1.
Monitoring the development and updating of unregistered and registered ECD centres database in
the Metro.
Monitoring of the implementation of capacity building programmes and number of attendees to
training opportunities.
Monitoring of the ECD registration drive campaigns.
Monitoring of collaborative interventions and programmes between City and Provincial government.
Monitor time taken to get an ECD centre registered.
Monitor number of children attending registered ECD Centres.
Monitor number of ECD registration per year.
9.1.2.
9.1.3.
9.1.4.
9.1.5.
9.1.6
9.1.7
The following will be used to monitor effectiveness: Monthly report to SDECD Management. There
will be the submissions of reports to the Portfolio Committee.
9.2.
Evaluation:
Collaborate with external stakeholder to evaluate impact.
9.3.
Review:
ECD policy review will happen in 3 years’ time, unless there is new legislation.
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
9.4.
Implementation Plan.
In order to give effect to the policy provisions, SDECD shall development its service delivery and
budget implementation plan. The plan outlines annual targets for SDECD within its basket of
services.
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
ANNEXURE 1: Application process flow
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
ANNEXURE 2:
LAND USE
2.1.
LAND USE MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS
Under all circumstances the requirement of a land use application (or proof of the correct land use
rights, by means of a zoning certificate etc.) will be the starting point for the establishment of an ECD
centre. Property owners or prospective operators should thus as a first step consult the Planning and
Building Development Management Department to establish if such rights are in place.
ECD facilities which do not conform to the necessary land use requirements will be subject to the
provisions of Council’s Land Use Enforcement Policy.
2.1.1.
When ECD centres are permitted as of right
In line with the Children’s Act and the Cape Town Zoning Scheme (CTZS), and to provide
opportunities for low-key childcare facilities from single residential properties, an ECD centre
accommodating a maximum of six children can operate as of right from such a single residential
dwelling, subject to certain conditions, without any formal approval from the Planning and Building
Development Management Department being required. It is to be noted that this provision for six
children is in addition to the children within the household/family and are subject to any other
provisions required in terms of the relevant scheme. The impact of the provision of such low-key
home childcare facilities, as of right, is considered negligible in these instances.
2.1.2. Small vs. large scale centres
In the assessment of land use applications, distinction is made between small and large scale
facilities as a means of addressing the variations on the impacts of ECD centres of differing sizes and
levels of care provision. Through different requirements for these scales of centres, these land use
guidelines aim to provide for the varying impacts of such facilities in a range of socio-economic and
urban environments.
For the purposes of this policy, 35 children (1) are considered to be an appropriate number to
differentiate between small- and large scale centres. Thus, centres with between 7 (1, if the
particular scheme doesn’t allow 6 children as of right) and 34 children are considered small scale
facilities and those with 35 children or more constitute large scale centres. This is not to say that 34
children should be accommodated in a small scale facility. Where circumstances warrant; a
restriction on the number of children to be accommodated can still be imposed. This number simply
serves to distinguish between the different guidelines.
In context of this broad classification system, the actual attendance number must still be determined
in each case. The lesser number will apply when all department requirements are considered. The
assessment criteria annexure 2.3., are set out according to these two broad categories.
1 Based on the assumption of an average erf size of 250 sq m, with 80% coverage (worst case scenario), a dwelling (including garages, covered outside areas etc.) of 200 sq m can be
realised. Assuming that half of this (100 sq m), or less, can be used as an ECD centre or similar and using the standards of the City Health Department (1,5 sq m per child), a total of
33,3 children can be accommodated on such premises. A lenient round up to 35 children is therefore deemed acceptable.
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
Deviations from the above scale distinction are not encouraged as the scale (size) of the centre
determines its degree of fit in respect to the surrounding area as well as the assessment criteria that
are to be applied. For example, an application for deviation to permit a small-scale centre for 45
children should not be supported. This, by virtue of the number of children (and the associated
impact) has to be considered as large scale.
ANNEXURE 2.2: LAND USE APPLICATION
The following information should be included with a land use application (in conjunction with other
requirements as per the Department’s basic application submission checklist):
A proper written motivation which details:
 the number of children proposed to be accommodated;
 the type and nature of the proposed facility and services offered, including the type of
structures and any proposed additions thereto;
 the number of people to be employed;
 the hours of operation and a daily timetable (including list of activities), including time
allocated for outside play:
A scaled and clearly dimensioned Site Development Plan indicating:
 cadastral boundaries on the subject property;
 the areas of the dwelling/building(s) to be used;
 a table indicating the square metres of the structure to be used for the ECD centre, as well as
amount of indoor and outdoor space provided for the specified age categories;
 the location of outside play areas and play equipment;
 on-site parking, drop-off areas and access arrangements, including staff parking
arrangements;
 and boundary edge treatment / safety measures.
ANNEXURE 2.3.: CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING APPLICATIONS
The following aspects are to be taken into consideration in assessing land use applications for ECD
centres.
Given the great variation in socio-economic contexts that characterise the City of Cape Town, it is
vital that a degree of flexibility be applied in the application of these guidelines.
Land Use applications for small and large scale ECD centres are guided by the following assessment
criteria, in addition to the standard Health requirements
CRITERIA
EXPLANATION
Location
Description of the desirable characteristics of the location of a proposed ECD
centre
Access
Accessibility considerations for ECD centres
Parking and Traffic Parking requirements, off-street and on-street, as well as consideration of
traffic impacts, drop-off arrangements etc.
Scale and Extent
Considerations of the typical scale of the proposal and impact on its
environment.
Operational
Operational management arrangements for ECD Centres
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013


Parking and Traffic
Access
Location


Management
Noise and Security
Noise and security considerations for ECD centres
Health and Welfare
Hours of operation
Health and welfare considerations for ECD centres
Suggested hours of operation (6H30-17H30)
Small Scale Centre
Surrounding land uses and erf sizes, as well as the
location of community facilities, are to be assessed
and taken into consideration.
The facility should be able to be incorporated into
the local area without detrimentally affecting its
character and the nature of the area.
If looking at the bigger picture, the principle of
ensuring a well-distributed network of small scale
centres, as a means of maximising access to such
facilities, is to be promoted.
Small scale centres should preferably be located
on or close to a residential collector road that can
accommodate the increased traffic flow, especially
in areas of high car ownership, if applicable.



 Both convenient and safe pedestrian and vehicular
access to such a facility should be possible.
 Access arrangements should not cause traffic or
pedestrian obstruction.

 Sufficient on-site parking is to be provided, which
includes parking for any additional staff. Any other
applicable requirements in the relevant zoning
scheme should be adhered to.
 A suitable, safe, dropping-off area is to be
provided on-site.
 If applicable, the increased traffic generated by the
facility, as well as levels of car ownership in the
immediate area, are to be assessed in conjunction
with the estimated peak traffic flow in order to
determine the traffic and parking impacts of the
ECD centre.
This may affect the number of
children to be accommodated by the ECD centre.

21



Large Scale Centre
It is recommended that large scale ECD
centres be located adjacent to public open
spaces,
schools,
churches,
other
community facilities (clinics, sports fields,
libraries
etc.)
and
neighbourhood
commercial nodes, if possible.
Such
clustering can promote the sharing of
infrastructure, such as parking, maximises
access and confines the traffic impact to a
defined area.
Proximity to public transport nodes, if
applicable, should also be taken into
consideration when assessing such an
application.
It is recommended that large ECD centres
be located on main access roads (such
roads must be able to accommodate the
anticipated
increased
traffic
flow,
especially in areas of high car ownership).
Both convenient and safe pedestrian and
vehicular access to such a facility should be
possible.
Access arrangements should not cause
traffic or pedestrian obstruction.
Adequate provision is to be made for onsite visitors parking. This is to be assessed
in relation to the number of children, the
staff complements and the context within
which the facility is located. Any other
applicable requirements in the relevant
zoning scheme should be adhered to.
A suitable, safe, dropping-off area is to be
provided on-site.
If applicable, the increased traffic
generated by the facility, as well as levels
of car ownership in the immediate area,
are to be assessed in conjunction with the
estimated peak traffic flow in order to
determine the traffic and parking impacts
of the ECD centre. This may affect the
number of children to be accommodated
by the ECD centre.
Scale and Extent
DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
 The City Health Department is to assess the extent
of the erf and the floor area of the building(s) and
any other relevant requirements to recommend
the maximum number of children that can be
accommodated, by using the required standards.
 1,5 sq m indoor area and 2 sq m outdoor play
areas per child should be provided.
 Consideration is to be given to surrounding
property sizes to ensure that the scale of the ECD
centre is in keeping with the density and
residential fabric of the surrounding area.
 Applications to increase the maximum number of
children attending the ECD centre can
subsequently be made. Cognisance will be taken
of abutting neighbours’ comments in this regard.
Any such application must also be circulated to the
City Health department for their comments.
Hours of operation
Noise and Security
Operational
management
 The operator of a small scale centre is to be either
the owner or the lessee of the property concerned
(or relevant portion thereof) and is to reside onsite, except if the facility operates from non- single
residential premises.
 The City Health Department is to assess
the extent of the erf and the floor area of
the building(s) and any other relevant
requirements
to
recommend
the
maximum number of children that can be
accommodated, by using the required
standards.
 1,5 sq m indoor area and 2 sq m outdoor
play areas per child should be provided.
 Consideration is to be given to surrounding
property sizes to ensure that the scale of
the ECD centre is in keeping with the
density and urban fabric of the
surrounding area.
 Applications to increase the maximum
number of children attending the ECD
centre can subsequently be made.
Cognisance will be taken of abutting
neighbours’ comments in this regard. Any
such application must also be circulated to
the City Health Department for their
comments.
 The operator of a large scale ECD centre is
to be the owner or the lessee of the
property concerned (or relevant portion
thereof).
 The location of building(s), play equipment including the nature and type thereof, with particular
reference to noise generation, and other proposed structures is to be clearly demarcated on the
Site Development Plan and the proximity of neighbouring residential dwellings are to be taken into
account in order to minimise the noise impact on neighbours.
 Outside and inside activities are to be managed so that noise levels will only be generated at
specific times.
 ECD centres should comply with the applicable Noise Control Regulations as well as the provisions
of the City of Cape Town By-law relating to streets, public places and the prevention of noise
nuisances.
 Where appropriate, adequate treatment and screening of the erf boundaries are recommended in
order to minimise the noise impact.
 Childproof gates may be required to be installed on the property, particularly at the entrance to the
facility if it is located on a busy road.
 The centre should not operate outside the hours of 07h00 to 18h00 on Mondays to Fridays, and
from 07h00 to13h00 on Saturdays, and should not include public holidays or Sundays, except where
it can be adequately motivated otherwise e.g. to accommodate parents who are shift worker.
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
ANNEXURE 2.4: POSSIBLE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL WITH A LAND USE APPLICATION
2.4.1.
Where a maximum of 6 children are permitted as of right in a residential zone
Although no application would be involved (depending on the zoning scheme applicable), adherence
to the following guideline restrictions should be encouraged:







No more than 6 children shall be accommodated at the facility at any time, unless a more
restrictive number is specified by a scheme other that the CTZS, in which case such number
will apply.
The services offered shall be primarily day care or educational in nature and not medical in
nature.
The facility shall not operate outside the hours of 07h00 to 18h00 on Mondays to Fridays,
and from 07h00 to 13h00 on Saturdays, and shall not include public holidays or Sundays,
except where it can be adequately motivated otherwise e.g. to accommodate parents who
are shift workers.
Areas for indoor play space and outdoor play space shall be provided in accordance with any
Health requirement or a policy plan as might be approved by Council from time to time.
Outdoor play space shall be fenced off from any public street or swimming pool.
No advertising sign shall be displayed, other than a single un-illuminated sign or notice, not
projecting over a public street, and such sign shall not exceed 0,5 m2 in area.
At least one off-street parking bay shall be provided, plus one additional parking bay which is
suitable for the use of parents to drop off or collect their children, unless Council’s approval
is obtained to waive this requirement, and Council may at any stage require additional onsite parking if, in its opinion, the parking is not sufficient.
2.4.2. Small and large scale ECD centres
Consideration should be given to imposing the following conditions of approval applicable to smalland large scale ECD centres. Conditions should however still be custom-made to suit the specific
circumstances:

The specified maximum number of children to be accommodated at any specific time is to
be adhered to. Application to amend this condition of approval will be required should the
applicant wish to increase the capacity of the facility.

The operator is to be the owner or lessee of the property or relevant portion thereof.

For small scale centres, the operator is to reside on the property, except if the facility
operates from non-single residential premises.
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013

Council may, if it is of the opinion that the ECD centre is being conducted in such a manner
which is or is likely to be detrimental to the surrounding residential environment or a source
of nuisance, serve a notice in writing on the operator calling upon him/her to:
o
comply with the instructions set out in such notice, or
o
cease using the premises in question for a ECD centre by a date specified in
such notice.

For small scale centres, the residential appearance of the building is to be maintained to a
standard that does not detract from the residential character and streetscape of the
surrounding area.

The ECD centre shall not operate outside the specified hours, except where it can be
adequately motivated otherwise e.g. to accommodate parents who are shift workers.

All outdoor signage must comply with Council’s Outdoor Advertising and Signage By-law.

If more than six children are to be cared for, application for registration in terms of the
Children’s Act must be lodged with the Western Cape Department of Social Development
prior to commencement of the use.

The approval of a Site Development Plan is required. The operator shall not deviate from
this plan (which must be dated and numbered) without prior consent of Council.
ANNEXURE 3
STANDARD HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
INFANTS SECTION: (0-24 months)
An unobstructed indoor play area of at least 1.5m² per child must be provided.
An outdoor play area of at least 2m² per child must be provided. If no outdoor space is
available,(permission MUST be sought from Council to use a nearest play park/Public Open Space
where children can play under close supervision of an adult)
The indoor and outdoor play areas must be separated from the children’s (2-6yrs) and aftercare play
areas.
Where children are bottle-fed suitable safe space must be provided for effective cleaning and
hygienic storage of the bottles. Cooling facilities should be available for the storage of baby
food/bottles. Health education to be rendered pertaining to the cleaning of baby bottles as a means
to prevent cross contamination / Diarrhoea.
One pottie for every child must be provided. Partially enclosed space for privacy must be made
available during pottie time.
The potties must be washed and disinfected after each usage and the waste of the potties must be
disposed of hygienically in a toilet.
Best available methods for the storage of soiled nappies must be provided.
Potties and nappies may not be cleaned near the food preparation and eating areas.
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
9. A wash hand basin with soap and clean hand drying material must be provided. Plastic
buckets/basins and/or Squeezy bottles may be used in place of porcelain wash hand basins.
10. Such containers must be cleaned and the water changed regularly. It must be separate from the
wash hand basin in the kitchen
11. Facilities for the washing of children (babies) must be provided.
12. Adequate covered, safe, clean and waterproof mattresses and or cots must be provided.
13. Bedding should be provided and the blankets should be washed frequently.
14. A separate nappy changing and cloth nappy washing area must be provided.
15. A secure outdoor or refuse area for bins should be provided.
16. Adequate and clean drinking water must be available at all times. Where no tap water is available on
site, a clean container with a tight fitting lid must be used for the storage of drinking water.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
CHILDREN`S SECTION: (2-6 YEARS)
An unobstructed indoor play area of at least 1,5m² per child must be provided.
An outdoor play area of at least 2m² per child must be provided. If no outdoor space is
available,(permission MUST be sought from Council to use a nearest play park where children can
play under close supervision of an adult)
The indoor and outdoor play areas must be separated from the infants and aftercare play areas.
Toilet facilities that are safe and hygienic for children must be provided.
Where access to a waterborne sewerage system is available toilets and wash hand basins must be
provided in the ratio of one for every 20 children or part thereof, irrespective of the sex. Plastic
buckets/basins and/or Squeezy Bottles may be used in place of porcelain wash hand basins. Soap
and clean hand drying materials must be provided and such containers must be cleaned and the
water changed regularly.
Where there is no access to a waterborne sewerage system an approved type toilet must be
available or made available at or adjacent to the facility.
Toilet facilities must be of the low-level type, or alternatively platforms of suitable height must be
provided at the water closet pans and wash hand basins to be used by children. Such platforms must
be of a non-slip and impervious material.
Doors on the children’s toilet facilities should not have locks BUT must be screened for privacy.
The hot water supply to the wash hand basins used by children must be thermostatically controlled
at a suitable/safe temperature, alternatively, only cold water need to be provided.
Covered, safe, clean and waterproof mattresses and or cots must be provided.
Bedding should be provided and the blankets should be washed frequently.
AFTERCARE:
28. An unobstructed indoor play area of at least 1,5m² per child must be provided. Space to rest must
also be provided.
29. An outdoor play area of at least 2m² per child must be provided.
30. The indoor and outdoor play areas must be separated from the infants and children’s play areas.
31. Toilet facilities that are safe for children must be provided.
32. Separate toilets for both sexes and wash hand basins must be provided in the ratio of one to every
20 children or part thereof. Where separate toilet facilities are not available, lockable doors must be
provided. Plastic buckets/basins and / or Squeezy Bottles may be used in place of porcelain wash
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
hand basins with soap and clean hand drying materials provided that such containers must be
cleaned and water changed regularly.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
Food Handling Area:
A separate area must be provided for the preparation of food
The area must be kept be safe, clean and in a hygienic condition at all times.
The area to the best possible means must be provided with:
a. Adequate washing up facilities
b. A hand washing facility for staff.
c. Adequate storage space for food and utensils
d. Adequate lighting and ventilation.
e. Cooling facilities for the storage of perishable food.
f. Adequate number of waste bins with tight fitting lids.
g. An adequate supply of water and cleaning agents for the cleaning of equipment and eating
utensils. Cleaning agents must be kept in their original containers and out of reach of
children.
h. A hood and flue with an extraction fan and grease filters must be provided over the cooking
apparatus or alternatively a domestic cooker hood, where applicable
i. Adequate crockery and cutlery for the number of children.
The entrance to the food handling area must be adequately protected to prevent children from
gaining access thereto and safety aspects must be complied with.
A separate space (not necessarily a separate room) for the preparation of baby food must be
provided.
When meals are provided the person in charge of the ECD/Principal must apply for and be in
possession of a Certificate of Acceptability (COA) for Food Premises.
INDOOR PLAY AREA:
39. The structure must be safe, waterproof and well ventilated and the safety aspects should be
adequately addressed
40. Safety glass to be provided for low level windows and doors
41. In multi-storey buildings safety gates must be provided on both ends of stairs.
42. Floors should be covered with material that is suitable for children to play and sit on and should be
easy to clean.
43. If the same space is used as a playroom and office, each area must be clearly demarcated.
44. No objects that could pose a danger or be harmful to children may be stored in this area.
45. All furniture and equipment must be safe and in good repair.
46. All low level electrical sockets need to be suitably protected.
OUTDOOR PLAY AREA:
47. The outdoor play area must be adequately fenced (1.8 m high), with safe and approved material,
and secured with a safety gate that children cannot open. This will not apply to public open space
48. Outside play equipment must be safe and clean
49. No poisonous or harmful plants may be grown on the premises and the premises must not be
overgrown.
50. The outside area can consist of lawn, sand pits, shady areas and hard surfaces.
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
51. All swimming pools must be covered with a net and have a surrounding fence of sufficient height
with a lockable gate.
52. The sand pit must be covered overnight to prevent the fouling of the sand. It must be cleaned
regularly by sprinkling it with coarse salt every 6 weeks or by wetting the sand with a bleach
solution. The sand must be replaced at least once a year.
STAFF FACILITIES:
53. An area that is adequately lighted and ventilated must be provided for use as an office, staffroom
and sickbay or where possible these areas may be provided separately.
54. Sufficient toilet and hand washing facilities must be provided where more than 20 children are
accommodated.
GENERAL:
55. All refuse must be stored in such a manner so as not to cause a nuisance pending removal.
56. An adequate number of approved refuse receptacles with close-fitting lids must be provided.
57. Insects and vermin must be effectively combated without posing a danger to children.
58. If pets are kept on the premises, they must be tame, clean, safe, healthy and well cared for, but
must be kept separately from the children.
59. A first aid box with the basic essentials must be provided and stored out of reach of children. At least
one staff member must have a valid First Aid Certificate at all times.
60. The owner must ensure that staff members are receiving appropriate and regular training on how to
use the contents of the first aid box and how to deal with accidents.
61. Adequate supply of toilet paper must be provided.
62. Adequate measures must be taken to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
63. The owner must ensure that staff members are receiving health education on TB and Diarrhoea, by
focussing on personal hygiene, hand washing, advising regarding the availability of pamphlets,
where testing can take place and where free treatment can be received.
64. The owner / principal must ensure that staff with infections and illnesses, must refrain from working
with children and food. (This does not necessarily mean the termination of services.)
65. Owner to ensure that no person shall smoke or use any tobacco products in the presence of children
in terms of the Tobacco Products Control Act No. 83 of 1993 (as amended) and all related
Regulations.
ANNEXURE 4
Requirements for clearance from the Fire Department
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Application for clearance will not be processed by the Fire Department unless the property is zoned
correctly (Zoning certificate to be provided).
All buildings must be erected and approved in terms of the National Building Regulations and
Standards Act (if applicable) (approved building plans may be called for). If there are no approved
plans, the building/structure will be deemed as unauthorised and therefore fire clearance cannot be
issued. Change of occupancy classification (eg, using a garage, house, wendy house as a crèche) may
require plan submission and approval.
Where the population (total population – children + teachers) exceeds 25 persons, an alternate
means of escape (open in direction of emergency travel) is to be provided. The width of the escape is
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DRAFT ECD POLICY MARCH 2013
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determined by the number of occupants.
Only approved locking devices (push bar panic bolt) are permitted on emergency escape doors.
Fire extinguishers (1 x 4,5kg per 200 square metres) are to be provided.
Fire hose reels may be called for where the floor area exceeds 250 square metres or the building
exceeds a single storey in height.
Positions of escapes and fire fighting equipment are to be clearly identified by SANS 1186/5
approved symbolic safety signage.
All fire points are to be kept clear at all times.
Fire blanket may be called for in kitchen should food preparation/cooking take place.
Emergency action plan is to be formulated (written document) and tested once every 6 months.
ANNEXURE 5
BUILDING REGULATIONS
Although the different types of build-up areas and socio-economic situations in the City are
acknowledged, it is the position that all ECD facilities (and their building plans) should comply with the
minimum requirements as per the National Building Regulations and Standards Act.
This compliments the City’s viewpoint that there should not be a differentiation between health and
safety requirements for different areas and to ensure a quality environment for all children to develop
equally.
Where buildings do not comply, a combination of enforcement and support programmes should be used
to encourage and assist such centres to move towards compliance.
Notwithstanding the above, the use of shipping containers and prefabricated structures is acceptable in
principle but more detailed information is required before a proper assessment can be made, to this end
a rational design prepared by a professionally registered person or persons will need to be submitted in
the planning phases (a rational design is a process whereby compliance with the National Building
Regulations is demonstrated by means of calculation and reasoning).
The rational design must indicate how Part B: Structural Design and Part T: Fire Protection of the
National Building Regulations are complied with. The maintenance of fire safety distances is of particular
importance in this regard. The rational design must also demonstrate that the structures meet the
thermal performance criteria for the Western Cape. Poorly insulated buildings promote mould growth in
the cold and wet winters and which leads to unhealthy living conditions.
The provision of water and sanitary facilities must be in terms of the National Building Regulations and
the City’s Environmental Health requirements. The rational design can be based on a population density
of 1.5m2 per person.
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