The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) has released 2 new National Quality Framework (NQF) Child Safety Guides.
The guides will help providers and services prepare for changes to the Education and Care Services National Regulations. The changes will take effect on 1 September 2025.
- The NQF Child Safe Culture Guide helps embed child-safe cultures.
- The NQF Online Safety Guide provides support to keep children safe when using online and digital technologies.
A range of support tools are available within the NQF Child Safety Guides.
Changes to the National Regulations include:
- new requirements for the safe use of digital technologies and online environments
- 24-hour notification for abuse incidents and allegations (down from 7 days)
- prohibiting the use of vaping substances and devices in services.
Refinements to the National Quality Standard to strengthen the focus on child safety will start on 1 January 2026.
For more information, refer to the Information Sheet.
The new regulations form part of the response to the 16 recommendations of last year’s child safety review.
Access the guides and further information on ACECQA’s website.