Reaffirming trust and safety: ‘Day One’ leadership amid the NSW ECEC inquiry

The parliamentary inquiry into New South Wales’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector is underway, with key stakeholders providing evidence during public hearings held on 13 and 14 August.

• the safety, health and wellbeing of children
• the quality of services and developmental outcomes
• educator pay, conditions and workforce capability
• the effectiveness of the regulatory framework and the NSW ECEC Regulatory Authority
• access to training, funding impacts, and the inclusion of children with disability and additional needs

• Safety and transparency are foundational – From day one, educators and managers play a critical role in creating environments where children feel secure and families remain well-informed.
• Intentional leadership matters – Emerging insights from the inquiry highlight the importance of reflective practice and policies that meaningfully support educators, children and families.
• Reform is a shared responsibility – Genuine progress requires collaboration between practitioners, families, policymakers and regulatory bodies.