Spot checks

We may conduct unannounced spot checks to check that the Child Care Subsidy is being administered correctly and to allow any safety concerns observed to be reported to state and territory regulators.

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What are spot checks

Spot checks are unannounced in-person visits conducted by authorised officers of the department.

They allow the officers to enter approved early childhood and care (ECEC) services to:

  • identify Child Care Subsidy (CCS) compliance issues
  • report any observed quality and safety concerns to local regulators.

Spot checks aim to:

  • ensure services comply with their obligations under Family Assistance Law (FAL)
  • confirm CCS is managed correctly and that government funds are being used properly
  • report any observed quality and safety concerns to state or territory regulators
  • build sector capability and improve accountability
  • detect any broader issues early
  • highlight best practise examples.

These checks focus on Commonwealth-level compliance, ensuring services meet their obligations under CCS and Family Assistance Law (FAL). They do not replace routine checks carried out by state or territory regulators. If safety issues are identified during spot checks, they will be reported to the relevant state or territory regulator.

The program supports the department's new powers of entry, to undertake unannounced spot checks. The program aligns with the department's broader integrity, quality and safety agenda.

Spot check procedure

Spot checks will take place across Australia in both regional and urban areas.

Authorised officers will:

  • introduce themselves and show their authorised person identity cards
  • provide the service with forms, such as a consent to enter premises form.

Spot checks will:

  • verify that services are meeting their legislative obligations under the FAL
  • assess whether services are reporting enrolment and attendance accurately and CCS is being administered correctly
  • confirm accurate record-keeping
  • ensure services have procedures in place to manage payments and fees
  • share examples of effective practise and provide services with greater clarity about expectations under FAL, CCS, and 2025 reforms.

Spot check pilot

A pilot ran from October 2025 to November 2025.

Spot checks were conducted at approximately 45 services across regional and urban areas, including New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.

Findings from the pilot are being used to shape a scalable and national consistent framework for spot checks.

More information

The following resources can help you check and improve compliance, quality and safety: