We have visited more than 1,300 early childhood education and care (ECEC) services since beginning our spot check program in November 2025.
As part of this program, our authorised officers visited different service types. These included Centre-Based Day Care, Outside School Hours Care, and Family Day Care services. We visited metropolitan, regional and remote communities across Australia.
What are spot checks?
Spot checks are unannounced, in-person visits by Australian Government Department of Education officers.
During a spot check, our authorised officers work with service staff to:
- check enrolment and attendance records
- review record-keeping practices
- ensure CCS is being administered correctly.
They also provide information to help services understand and meet their obligations.
Supporting quality, safety and integrity
Spot checks are part of the department's work to improve quality and safety across the sector.
These spot checks do not replace state and territory routine checks. If our officers notice any quality or safety concerns, we will refer these to state or territory regulators.
Building confidence for families
Families expect and deserve safe and high-quality care for their children.
Spot checks help build confidence that services are meeting their obligations. By identifying issues and helping providers fix them, we are building a safer sector together.
More information about spot checks is available on our website.