NQF child safety changes now in effect: 1 September 2025

From today, 1 September 2025, strengthened child safety regulations under the National Quality Framework (NQF) are in effect for all early childhood education and care (ECEC) services.

The updated requirements form part of nationally coordinated reforms to embed stronger safeguards for children and ensure services operate in line with best practice child protection principles. These changes follow recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and reflect a shared commitment across jurisdictions to create safe, supportive, and responsive environments for every child.

To support implementation, the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) has released resources including a short video explaining the changes.

Key regulatory changes now in effect

As of 1 September 2025, services must comply with the following new requirements:

• Policies on digital technologies

Approved providers are required to implement or update policies and procedures that govern the use of digital technologies, including mobile devices, cameras and online platforms. These policies must address how technology is used, monitored, and managed to ensure it supports children’s safety and wellbeing.

• 24-hour reporting timeframe

Services must now report any allegation or incident of physical or sexual abuse to the relevant authorities within 24 hours. This represents a significant reduction from the previous 7-day reporting window and underscores the importance of timely, transparent, and accountable responses to concerns.

• Prohibition on vaping devices

All vaping devices and related substances are now prohibited within ECEC services. This measure strengthens efforts to maintain safe and healthy learning environments and aligns with broader public health strategies to reduce harm.

Upcoming changes from 1 January 2026

In addition to the changes now in effect, amendments to the National Quality Standard (NQS) will be introduced from 1 January 2026, including:

• Revised wording in Quality Area 2: Children’s Health and Safety
• Revised wording in Quality Area 7: Governance and Leadership

These updates will further embed child safety into quality assessment and service operations.

Take action now

All ECEC providers must ensure their service policies, staff training, and reporting processes reflect the updated regulatory requirements that come into force from 1 September 2025. These changes are not optional, they are enforceable and central to maintaining compliance, supporting best practice, and upholding every child’s right to safety and protection.

Access the latest updates and resources via the ACECQA website.