16/06/2025
From 1 September 2025 and 1 January 2026, a number of important updates to the National Quality Framework will take effect to sharpen the focus on child safety and online protection in education and care settings. The Federal Government has announced these reforms in response to recommendations from the national child safety review. The reforms will be reflected in changes to the Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Standard.
Key Changes from 1 September 2025
1. New Policy and Procedures for Digital Safety
Services will be required to implement policies and procedures to ensure the safe use of digital technologies and online environments, including:
- taking, using, storing and destroying images/videos of children
- obtaining parental authorisation to take, use and store images and videos of children
- using CCTV or other surveillance devices
- managing digital devices issued by the service
- children’s use of digital devices
These new requirements will add to the expansive listed of required policies and procedures already found in Regulation 168 of the Education and Care Services National Regulations.
2. Faster Reporting of Physical and Sexual Abuse Allegations
Approved service providers will need to notify the regulatory authority of any allegation or incident of physical or sexual abuse involving a child within 24 hours, down from the current 7-day timeframe.
3. Ban on Vaping Devices and Substances
All education and care environments must be free from vaping devices and substances, in line with existing bans on tobacco, illicit drugs and alcohol.
Key Changes from 1 January 2026
1. Refinements to the National Quality Standard to Reinforce Child Safety
Key updates to strengthen the language around child safety include:
- Quality Area 2, Element 2.2.3 moves from Child Protection to Child Safety and Protection, with an additional emphasis on child safety and the need to identify and respond to every child at risk of abuse or neglect.
- Quality Area 7: Governance and Leadership including Standard 7.1 and Element 7.12 will have an express requirement around the operation of a quality service that is child safe with a focus on continuous improvement.
Resources and Support
There are a number of resources already available or soon to be released to assist providers in meeting these new requirements. The Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) will update the Guide to the NQF to reflect these changes.
You can also read more on these changes here InformationSheet_CS.pdf
Griffin Legal can assist your organisation in implementing these changes, including by:
- auditing and reviewing current practices
- revising policies and procedures; and
- providing training.