From October 2025, we will start a pilot to conduct unannounced spot checks on early childhood education and care (ECEC) services.
Spot checks will be conducted at 40-45 services across regional and urban areas, including New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia.
This action comes after new legislation passed parliament on 31 July. The laws give the department new powers of entry to:
- identify Child Care Subsidy compliance issues
- report any observed quality and safety concerns to local regulators.
We know that the vast majority of the sector cares deeply about the safety and quality of ECEC. Site visits and spot checks are not about shutting centres down. They are about lifting standards up.
For more information, visit spot checks on our website.
The following resources can help you check and improve compliance, quality and safety:
- strengthening safety through Child Care Subsidy on our website
- Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority website for information on the National Quality Framework and quality and safety standards
- reach out to your local regulator.