Day Nurseries Act

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REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA
THE DAY NURSERIES ACT
CHAPTER 313 OF THE LAWS OF ZAMBIA
CHAPTER 313 THE DAY NURSERIES ACT
THE DAY NURSERIES ACT
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Section
1. Short title
2. Interpretation
3. Exemptions, etc.
4. Appointments by local authorities
5. Registers to be kept
6. Application for registration and renewal of certificates
7. Imposition of conditions
8. Certificate of registration
9. Cancellation of registration
10. Appeals, etc.
11. Closing order
12. Inspection of day nurseries
13. Penalties for failing to register
14. Rules
CHAPTER 313

lation of registration
10. Appeals, etc.
11. Closing order
12. Inspection of day nurseries
13. Penalties for failing to register
14. Rules
CHAPTER 313

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DAY NURSERIES
An Act to provide for the registration and regulation of day nurseries; and to
provide for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto. [1st May, 1958]
63 of 1957
54 of 1960
47 of 1963
69 of 1965
13 of 1994
1. This Act may be cited as the Day Nurseries Act. Short title
2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires- Interpretation
"authorised person" means the Commissioner, any person who is a juveniles
inspector under or by virtue of the provisions of section six of the Juveniles
Act, and any person appointed under the provisions of section four;
Cap. 53
"child" means a person who has not attained the age of seven years;
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner for Juvenile Welfare appointed under
the provisions of section five of the Juveniles Act; Cap. 53
"day nursery" means any premises where more than two children from more than
one household are received to be looked after for reward for periods
exceeding two consecutive hours in any one day;
"local authority" means-
(a) in an urban area the Council established under the Local
Government Act Cap.

eeding two consecutive hours in any one day;
"local authority" means-
(a) in an urban area the Council established under the Local
Government Act Cap.

281
(b) in any other area, the District Executive Secretary for the District in
which such area is situate;
"relative" means a grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt, whether by
consanguinity or affinity, or in consequence of adoption; and in respect of
an illegitimate child includes any person who would be so related if the child
were legitimate. (As amended by No. 47 of 1963 and No. 69 of 1965)
3. (1) Nothing in this Act shall apply to- Exemptions, etc. (a) any hospital, nursing home or convalescent home; or

No. 47 of 1963 and No. 69 of 1965)
3. (1) Nothing in this Act shall apply to- Exemptions, etc. (a) any hospital, nursing home or convalescent home; or

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(b) any institution exempted from the provisions of this Act by the
Commissioner; or
(c) any school registered under the provisions of Part IV of the Education Act;
or
Cap. 134
(d) the reception of children in any such hospital, home, institution or school; or
(e) the reception of a child by a relative. (2) Where a person receives children into any premises in such circumstances that,
apart from the provisions of this section, he would be required to register such premises
under the provisions of this Act, then so long as provision for entry and inspection of such
premises is made by or under the provisions of any other Act in respect of those children,
or any of them, or in respect of any other infant-
(a) sections twelve and thirteen shall not apply to such premises; and
(b) the provisions for entry and inspection shall apply in relation to all the
children aforesaid. (As amended by Act No. 13 of 1994)
4. A local authority may appoint any person to exercise, within the area of
jurisdiction of such local authority, any or all of the powers conferred by this Act upon an
authorised person.

person to exercise, within the area of
jurisdiction of such local authority, any or all of the powers conferred by this Act upon an
authorised person.

Appointments by local
authorities
5. Every local authority shall keep a register of all day nurseries situated within its
area, and all such registers shall be open to inspection by the Commissioner or his duly
authorised representative at all reasonable times. Registers to be kept
6. (1) Any person receiving or proposing to receive any children in a day nursery
shall make application in the prescribed form to the local authority within whose area such
day nursery is situated for registration under the provisions of this Act, and, upon receipt
of such application, such local authority shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, register
the day nursery to which such application refers. Application for
registration and
renewal of certificates
(2) Any person to whom a certificate of registration has been issued under the
provisions of section eight may make application for the renewal thereof in the prescribed
form to the local authority concerned on or before the 30th November of the year in which
such certificate is due to expire, and, upon receipt of such application, such local authority
shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, renew such certificate:

te is due to expire, and, upon receipt of such application, such local authority
shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, renew such certificate:

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Provided that where a certificate of registration is issued after the 30th November in
any year, application for the renewal thereof may be made at any time before the expiry of
such certificate. (3) Every application for registration, or for the renewal of a certificate of registration,
shall be accompanied by such fee, not exceeding seven hundred and fifty penalty units,
as the local authority concerned may from time to time prescribe, and such fee shall,
where the application is granted, be paid into the revenue of the local authority or, where
such application is refused or abandoned, shall be refunded to the applicant.

on is granted, be paid into the revenue of the local authority or, where
such application is refused or abandoned, shall be refunded to the applicant.

(4) A local authority may, by order, refuse to register, or to renew the certificate of
registration of a day nursery if it is satisfied that the person making the application
concerned, or any other person who has or proposes to have the care of any of the
children received or proposed to be received in such day nursery, is not a fit and proper
person to have the care and control of such children, or that the premises concerned are
not fit, whether because of the condition thereof, or for any reason connected with other
persons therein, to be used for the purposes of a day nursery. (As amended by No. 54 of 1960 and Act No. 13 of 1994)
7.

ny reason connected with other
persons therein, to be used for the purposes of a day nursery. (As amended by No. 54 of 1960 and Act No. 13 of 1994)
7.

(1) If a local authority does not intend to exercise the powers conferred by
subsection (4) of section six in relation to an application made under subsection (1) of
section six, it may determine that the day nursery concerned shall only be registered
subject to such conditions-
Imposition of
conditions
(a) limiting the number of children, or the number of children in any specified
age group or age groups, which may be received in such day nursery at
any one time;
(b) for ensuring that such day nursery shall be adequately staffed, both as
regards the number and as regards the qualifications or experience of the
persons employed therein or taking part in the conduct thereof;
(c) for ensuring that such day nursery shall be adequately equipped and
maintained;
(d) for ensuring that, where any children are received in such day nursery and
remain there for a continuous period exceeding five hours in any one day,
there shall be adequate arrangements for feeding and resting such children
and that an adequate and suitable diet shall be provided for them;
(e) for ensuring that persons regularly engaged or employed in the care of
children in a day nursery undergo regular medical examination;
(f) providing for the keeping, in relation to the children received in such day
nursery, of such records containing such particulars as may be specified;

providing for the keeping, in relation to the children received in such day
nursery, of such records containing such particulars as may be specified;

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(g) generally for protecting the health and securing the well-being of children
received in such day nursery;
as the local authority may deem necessary. (2) Where a local authority determines to impose any condition upon the registration
of a day nursery, it shall, within seven days of such determination, give notice to the
applicant for such registration of its intention in that behalf. (3) An applicant who receives a notice under subsection (2) shall, within seven days
of the receipt thereof, inform the local authority, in writing, that-
(a) he agrees to the imposition of such conditions; or
(b) that he does not so agree and that-
(i) he intends to appeal under the provisions of section ten; or
(ii) he abandons his application.

ditions; or
(b) that he does not so agree and that-
(i) he intends to appeal under the provisions of section ten; or
(ii) he abandons his application.

(4) Where a local authority has determined to impose conditions upon the
registration of a day nursery, it shall not proceed to register such nursery until-
(a) the applicant has informed it that he agrees to the imposition of such
conditions; or
(b) the determination of an appeal brought by such applicant:
Provided that, if an applicant who has informed a local authority of his intention to
appeal does not enter such appeal within the time limited by subsection (4) of section ten,
his application shall be deemed to have been abandoned. (5) A local authority may, by order, vary, add to or revoke any condition imposed
upon the registration of a day nursery. (No. 54 of 1960)
8. (1) Where any day nursery is registered, or a certificate of registration is
renewed, under the provisions of this Act, the local authority concerned shall issue a
certificate of registration in the prescribed form in respect of such day nursery, and such
certificate shall specify the situation of the day nursery to which the registration relates
and also any conditions imposed under the provisions of section seven. Certificate of
registration

f the day nursery to which the registration relates
and also any conditions imposed under the provisions of section seven. Certificate of
registration

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(2) A certificate of registration issued under the provisions of this section shall be
issued to, and in the name of, the person who made application therefor, and shall not be
transferable to any other person. (3) Where any change occurs in any of the circumstances of which particulars are
specified in a certificate issued under the provisions of this section, the person to whom
such certificate was issued shall, within seven days, notify in writing the local authority
concerned accordingly, and such local authority shall issue an amended certificate in lieu
of the original certificate. (4) A certificate issued by a local authority under the provisions of this section shall
be kept available for inspection by any authorised person, and any such person may
demand the production of such certificate at the day nursery concerned at any time when
there are children being kept therein for reward. (5) Every certificate of registration issued under the provisions of this section shall
expire on the 31st December next after the issue thereof. (As amended by No. 54 of 1960)
9.

stration issued under the provisions of this section shall
expire on the 31st December next after the issue thereof. (As amended by No. 54 of 1960)
9.

Whenever-
(a) there has been any contravention of or non-compliance with any condition
imposed under the provisions of section seven in respect of any registration
made under the provisions of this Act; or
(b) it appears to a local authority that there exist any circumstances in respect
of any day nursery which has been so registered by such local authority
which would justify a refusal under the provisions of subsection (4) of
section six; or
(c) there has been any failure to notify any change of circumstances in
accordance with the provisions of subsection (3) of section eight; or
(d) any person has been convicted of an offence against the provisions of this
Act in respect of any day nursery;
the local authority may, by order, cancel the registration of the day nursery concerned,
and thereupon the person by whom such registration was obtained shall surrender the
certificate of registration of such day nursery to such local authority within seven days
after such order takes effect. Cancellation of
registration
10.

tificate of registration of such day nursery to such local authority within seven days
after such order takes effect. Cancellation of
registration
10.

(1) Not less than fourteen days before making an order under the provisions of
this Act refusing an application for registration or an application for the renewal of a
certificate of registration, or cancelling any registration or varying or adding to any
condition, a local authority shall give to the person concerned notice of intention to make
such an order. Appeals, etc.

n or varying or adding to any
condition, a local authority shall give to the person concerned notice of intention to make
such an order. Appeals, etc.

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(2) Every notice given under the provisions of subsection (1) shall state the grounds
on which the local authority intends to make the order concerned, and shall contain an
intimation that if, within fourteen days after the receipt of such notice, the person to whom
the notice is given informs the local authority in writing of his desire to show cause, in
person or by a representative, why the order should not be made, the local authority shall,
before making the order, afford him an opportunity so to do. (3) If a local authority, after complying with the provisions of subsections (1) and (2),
decides to refuse an application, cancel a registration or vary or add to a condition, as the
case may be, it shall make an order to that effect and shall give a copy of such order to
the person concerned.

or vary or add to a condition, as the
case may be, it shall make an order to that effect and shall give a copy of such order to
the person concerned.

(4) Any person aggrieved by an order made under the provisions of subsection (3)
or by a determination under the provisions of subsection (1) of section seven may, within
twenty-eight days after the date of such order or of the notification to him of such
determination, as the case may be, appeal against the making thereof to a subordinate
court of the first class having jurisdiction in the place where the day nursery concerned is
situated; an order cancelling the registration of a day nursery, or refusing an application
for the renewal of a certificate of registration, or varying or adding to any condition
imposed upon the registration of a day nursery, shall not take effect until the expiration of
the time within which an appeal may be brought under the provisions of this subsection or,
where such appeal is brought, before the determination thereof. (5) The decision of a subordinate court in any appeal brought under the provisions
of this section shall be final. (6) Any notice or copy of an order required to be given under the provisions of this
section may be so given by sending it to the person concerned by prepaid registered post. (As amended by No. 54 of 1960)
11.

er the provisions of this
section may be so given by sending it to the person concerned by prepaid registered post. (As amended by No. 54 of 1960)
11.

(1) Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Act, a magistrate may,
if satisfied on the application of a medical officer of health or a juveniles inspector that it
would be in the interests of the welfare of the children attending a day nursery, order the
closure of such nursery:
Closing order
Provided that no such order shall be made unless the person for the time being in
charge of such nursery has been given four days' notice of the intention to make an
application for such an order. (2) On the making of an order under this section, the registration of the day nursery
concerned shall be cancelled and thereupon the person by whom such registration was
obtained shall surrender the certificate of registration to the local authority concerned
within seven days of the date of such order. (No. 54 of 1960)

btained shall surrender the certificate of registration to the local authority concerned
within seven days of the date of such order. (No. 54 of 1960)

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12. (1) Any authorised person may, at all reasonable times, enter any day nursery
and may inspect such nursery and the children therein, the arrangements for their welfare
and any records kept in pursuance of the provisions of this Act. Inspection of day
nurseries
(2) If any authorised person is refused admission to any day nursery, he may apply
to a magistrate, and, if such magistrate is satisfied by information on oath that such
admission has been refused, he may grant a warrant authorising such person to enter the
day nursery concerned for the purpose of exercising any of the powers conferred upon
him. (3) Any authorised person who proposes to exercise any power of entry and
inspection shall, if so required, produce some document showing his authority to exercise
such power. (4) Any person who refuses admission to a day nursery to an inspector or who
obstructs the exercise of any power conferred by this section shall be liable to a fine not
exceeding seven hundred and fifty penalty units. (As amended by Act No. 13 of 1994)
13.

power conferred by this section shall be liable to a fine not
exceeding seven hundred and fifty penalty units. (As amended by Act No. 13 of 1994)
13.

If at any time after the expiration of three months from the commencement of
this Act, children are received in any day nursery which is not registered under the
provisions of section six, or if any condition imposed under the provisions of section seven
is contravened or not complied with, the occupier of the premises upon which such day
nursery is kept shall be liable, in the case of a first offence, to a fine not exceeding one
thousand five hundred penalty units, and in the case of a second or subsequent offence,
to a fine not exceeding three thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not
exceeding six months, or to both. (As amended by Act No. 13 of 1994)
Penalties for failing to
register
14. The Commissioner may, by statutory instrument, make rules prescribing the
forms-
(a) of registers to be kept under the provisions of section five;
(b) of application for registration or renewal of registration under the provisions
of section six;
(c) of certificates issued under the provisions of section eight. (As amended by No. 54 of 1960)
Rules
SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION
DAY NURSERIES

ction six;
(c) of certificates issued under the provisions of section eight. (As amended by No. 54 of 1960)
Rules
SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION
DAY NURSERIES

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SECTION 14-THE DAY NURSERIES (F ORMS ) RULES
Rules by the Commissioner for Juvenile Welfare
Government Notices
134 of 1958
123 of 1963
497 of 1964
1. These Rules may be cited as the Day Nurseries (Forms) Rules. Title
2. The form of register to be kept by every local authority under section five of the
Act shall be in Form 1 in the Schedule.
Form of register to be
maintained by local
authority under section
5
3. The form of application for registration of a day nursery as required by section
six (1) of the Act shall be in Form 2 in the Schedule.
Form application
registration of a day
nursery under section
6 (1)
4. The form of Certificate of Registration to be issued by a local authority as
required by section eight (1) of the Act shall be in Form 3 in the Schedule.
Form of Certificate of
Registration issued by
a local authority under
section 8 (1)
5. The forms prescribed may be used with such variations as the circumstances of
the case require.
Forms may be varied
SCHEDULE
PRESCRIBED FORMS

8 (1)
5. The forms prescribed may be used with such variations as the circumstances of
the case require.
Forms may be varied
SCHEDULE
PRESCRIBED FORMS

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THE DAY NURSERIES (FORMS) RULES
Form of Register to be Kept by a Local Authority Under Section 5 of the Day Nurseries Act
Date of Name of Nursery Plot Road District Box Telephone
Registration (if any) Number Number Number

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THE DAY NURSERIES (FORMS) RULES
FORM 2
(Rules 3)
FORM OF APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF A DAY NURSERY UNDER
SECTION 6 (1) OF THE DAY NURSERIES ACT
Local Authority Ref. No.
..................................................................................................
To: ............................................................................................
............................................................................................
............................................................................................
THE DAY NURSERIES ACT

...................................
............................................................................................
THE DAY NURSERIES ACT

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(Section 6)
As I propose to receive (am receiving) into my care and control at the undermentioned premises, children to be
looked after for reward for periods exceeding two consecutive hours in any one day, I make application for registration as a
Day Nursery under the provisions of the Day Nurseries Act. Fee units ........................................................................................................................................accompany this application. .................................................................................................... Applicant/Person in charge
Date
NAME AND LOCATION OF PREMISES TO BE REGISTERED AS A DAY NURSERY
Name of nursery (if any) .............................................................................................................................................................. Plot number ................................................................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................................

Road
District ........................................................................................................................................................................................ Box number ................................................................................................................................................................................ Telephone number ...................................................................................................................................................................... Applicant's address (if different from above) .............................................................................................................................. .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 1. Full names of applicant .................................................................................................................................................... 2.

................................................................................................................................................... 2.

Age of applicant ................................................................................................................................................................ 3. Period of residence in Zambia .......................................................................................................................................... 4. Period of residence in local authority area in which day nursery is situated
.......................................................................................................................................................................................... *5. Full names of applicant's husband .................................................................................................................................... *6. Occupation of husband .................................................................................................................................................... *7. Full names of applicant's children (if any):
........................................................................................................................................................Age ...........................

.......................................................................................................................Age ...........................

........................................................................................................................................................Age ........................... ........................................................................................................................................................Age ........................... ........................................................................................................................................................Age ........................... ........................................................................................................................................................Age ........................... 8. Details of other occupants of the premises ...................................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9. Brief details of any special qualifications held by applicant .............................................................................................. .......................................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 10. Brief details of applicant's experience in the field of child care ........................................................................................

details of applicant's experience in the field of child care ........................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 11. State number of children for which proposed nursery is to cater:
(a) for continuous periods exceeding five hours in any one day .................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................................................................ (b) for lesser periods in any one day .......................................................................................................................... * Delete as required. 12.

y .......................................................................................................................... * Delete as required. 12.

State age group of children to be catered for-
(a) Number of babies (under one year) ........................................................................................................................ (b) Number of toddlers (one to three years) ................................................................................................................ (c) Number of children over three years and under seven years ................................................................................ 13. During what periods in any one day will the proposed nursery be open? .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Including Saturdays? ........................................................................................................................................................ Including Sundays? .......................................................................................................................................................... 14. Full details of staff to be employed in running nursery (see Appendix attached).

................................................................. 14. Full details of staff to be employed in running nursery (see Appendix attached).

15. What arrangements are proposed for regular medical examination of staff? .................................................................. .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 16. State-
(a) Number and approximate sizes of rooms to be used by children .......................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................... (b) Which of these rooms are in use for other purposes? (Please specify) ................................................................ .................................................................................................................................................................................... 17. Will separate rooms be used for distinctive activities-i.e., eating, resting, playing?

........................................................... 17. Will separate rooms be used for distinctive activities-i.e., eating, resting, playing?

.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 18. What provision is there for the isolation of a sick child? .................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 19. Description of toilet facilities for children:
(a) Washing .................................................................................................................................................................. (b) Closets .................................................................................................................................................................... 20. Description of feeding arrangements and types of meals proposed:
(a) Mid-morning ............................................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................................................................

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APPENDIX
DETAILS OF STAFF TO BE EMPLOYED IN RUNNING NURSERY
Name Address Age Qualifications Experience
(As amended by No. 123 of 1963)

ublic of Zambia
APPENDIX
DETAILS OF STAFF TO BE EMPLOYED IN RUNNING NURSERY
Name Address Age Qualifications Experience
(As amended by No. 123 of 1963)

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THE DAY NURSERIES (FORM) RULES
FORM 3
(Rule 4)
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION OF A DAY NURSERY BY A LOCAL
AUTHORITY UNDER SECTION 8 (1) OF THE DAY NURSERIES ACT
THE DAY NURSERIES ACT
(Section 8)
CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION OF A DAY NURSERY
This is to certify that .................................................................................................................................................................... has premises at .......................................................................................................................................................................... registered as a Day Nursery under the provisions of section 8 (1) of the abovementioned Act. This Certificate has been issued by the .......................................................................................................................... subject to the following conditions:
..........................................................................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................... This Certificate expires on the 31st December, 19 ............... (Signed)................................................................................ Appointment........................................................................ For and on behalf of............................................................ Date......................................................................................