In 2022, Education Ministers agreed to changes to the National Quality Framework (NQF) based on findings from the 2019 NQF Review. The 2019 NQF Review included extensive consultation with the sector, families and other parts of the community which informed government decisions.
The implementation of regulatory changes resulting from the review is occurring in phases, with initial rounds of changes coming into effect on 1 March 2023 and 1 July 2023.
Regulatory changes
A third round of
regulatory amendments will come into effect from 1 October 2023 to improve the safety and wellbeing of children, including changes relating to:
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sleep and rest requirements—enhanced sleep and rest policy and procedure requirements, including the matters to be considered when conducting risk assessments
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multistorey buildings (PDF, 389KB)—stronger approval processes for centre-based services and family day care venues to be located in multi-storey buildings with other occupants by requiring additional information about the proposed premises and layout to be provided to the regulatory authority. More robust, risk-based emergency and evacuation procedures for providers of services operating in multi-storey buildings with other occupants
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National Principles for Child Safe Organisations (PDF, 479KB)—further embedding the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations into the NQF, including a small number of items found to not already be addressed in the Education and Care Services National Law (i.e. new obligations for volunteers and students, child protection training for family day care coordinators, enhanced requirements for policies and procedures on providing a child safe environment and managing complaints)
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family day care sector—additional guidance on safety requirements, compliance with fencing requirements and a new requirement for
monthly inspections (PDF, 618KB) at family day care residences and venues that have swimming pools, water features and other
potential water hazards (PDF, 140KB).
More information
Detailed information on the regulatory changes, as well as
information sheets, are available on the
Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) website.
New and updated guidance will continue to be provided to address other recommendations from the review that called for more additional guidance material to support the children’s education and care sector.
All decisions made by Education Ministers from the 2019 NQF Review are published on the
NQF Review website, including the Decision Regulatory Impact Statement and comprehensive frequently asked questions on the changes to the National Law and National Regulations.