Education Council brings in new ECEC transportation laws effective 1 October 2020

In an amendment to the Education and Care Services National Amendment Regulations 2020, the Education Council has introduced new requirements for approved providers of early childhood education and care (ECEC) services that offer, or arrange, transportation of children. The new requirements will commence on 1 October 2020.

Examples of this transportation in an ECEC context may include a provider offering a pick up and drop off service from home to the place of ECEC using a mini bus, or services undertaking excursions. 

Transporting children may present additional risks, including during transition between a vehicle and a service premises or other location. To better manage these risks, all governments have decided to introduce new requirements to strengthen oversight arrangements when children are being transported under the care of an education and care service.

From 1 October 2020, approved providers of education and care services that offer, or arrange, transportation of children will be required to have in place transportation-specific policies and procedures. New requirements for transport-specific risk assessments and obtaining written authorisations will also apply. Minor corresponding changes relating to excursions that involve transporting children will also take effect.

The Education and Care Services National Amendment Regulations 2020 amendments, and further guidance, will be available on the NSW Government legislation website in coming days, and an updated version of the Guide to the NQF will be published in September ahead of the changes taking effect.

ACECQA has prepared an information sheet which outlines the details of the changes, and gives links to relevant risk assessment templates.