New guidance supports child-safe assessments for ECEC students

The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has released updated guidance for registered training organisations (RTOs) assessing early childhood education and care (ECEC) students in workplace settings, reinforcing a strong focus on child safety and professional responsibility.

Developed in consultation with HumanAbility, the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, and the Department of Education, the guidance supports the delivery of safe, ethical and effective student assessments that reflect current sector expectations and best practice.

The document outlines clear requirements for how practical assessments should be conducted, with direct observation identified as the preferred method for evaluating student competence. This approach provides assessors with the opportunity to observe a student’s ability to interact with children, educators and families in a real-world ECEC setting ensuring assessments reflect genuine practice.

Where direct observation is not feasible, such as in rural or remote areas, the guidance allows for the use of live streaming technology. This alternative must be agreed upon by both the training provider and the ECEC service, and must still meet child-safe standards. The decision to use live streaming should prioritise the best interests of the children, while maintaining assessment integrity and transparency.

RTOs are expected to implement child-safe protocols at all times and apply a risk-based approach when planning and delivering workplace assessments. This includes compliance with the National Model Code for Taking Images and Videos, which provides ethical guidance on capturing and using photos or video recordings in education settings.

Importantly, the guidance also clarifies the expectations placed on students, including how they should conduct themselves professionally and safely during placement. It highlights the shared responsibility between students, services and training providers to uphold the highest standards of safety, privacy and respect in ECEC environments.

By setting a clear framework for assessment, the guidance aims to enhance the quality and consistency of training while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children remain central to all practices.

ASQA encourages RTOs and ECEC services to familiarise themselves with the updated guidance and embed its principles into assessment planning and delivery. Students are also encouraged to review the document so they understand their rights, responsibilities and the importance of child-safe conduct while undertaking practical placement.

The new guidance for early childhood education and care student assessments can be located here.