Your service is most likely getting ready to welcome new or returning children for 2025. You’re gathering materials and supplies, and organising your premises inside and out. But have you remembered all your operational and legal requirements? We’ve compiled the following checklist to help point you in the right direction.
Committee changes
Has your
governing body or committee recently changed its membership? One or more of these people may have management or control of the service so, when they leave or are replaced, the approved provider must notify the department.
Excursions and regular outings
Excursions, including regular outings, allow children to explore the wider community, and support learning and development. But approved providers must consider the additional risks to children’s safety, health and wellbeing. Read
guidelines for developing policies and procedures for excursions (PDF, 182KB) (includes information for services regulated under the Education and Care Services Act 2013).
Fees policy
Have you changed your fees recently? Don’t forget to update your policy on setting and collecting fees and, most importantly, notify families within 14 days of the change.
First aid qualifications and training
There are mandatory requirements for first aid qualifications, anaphylaxis management training and emergency asthma management training. Read more about these
requirements for services.
Keep your details up to date in the NQA ITS
From time to time the Regulatory Authority will need to contact you so make sure your service’s and approved provider’s details are correct on the
National Quality Agenda IT System (NQA ITS).
Managing medical conditions
What is the first thing approved providers should do when a
child with health issue, allergy or medical condition is enrolled at their service? Make sure your medical conditions policy is up to date.
Quality Improvement Plan
First time developing a new, or reviewing a current,
Quality Improvement Plan (QIP)? Complete a 3-module
online course, which includes a workbook, and outlines the requirements of a QIP, the self-assessment process and elements of continuous improvement.
Regulatory priorities
Now is the time to reflect on your service's practices. The Regulatory Authority is focused on
4 regulatory priorities every 2 years. Know what they are and why?
Sign up for product safety updates
Stay up to date on
Product Safety Australia alerts so that you always have functional and safe products at your service. Some suggested categories to monitor include: Bicycles, Pharmacy, Button batteries, Art and craft, Kids’ equipment, Toys, Kids’ furniture, and Asbestos in crayons.
Subscribe to receive the latest news and alerts
Did you know you can receive—direct to your inbox—the latest news on early childhood initiatives, topics and issues to help you deliver quality education and care; regulatory information; and urgent updates? Subscribe to our
A to Z of Early Childhood newsletter, the
regulatory bulletin.
When to notify us
There are certain incidents, complaints and changes that services are legally required to notify the Regulatory Authority about. Do you know what they are? We have an
interactive online tool that you can use to decide if and when to notify the department.