Transparency in action: NSW publishes register of enforcement decisions

The NSW Department of Education has strengthened transparency in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector by maintaining a Register of Published Enforcement Actions.

The register makes public the enforcement actions taken against approved providers and services under the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, giving families, educators and stakeholders clear visibility of how regulatory standards are being upheld across the state.

The register provides details of enforcement actions issued by the Department, including:

• Compliance directions and notices – requiring a provider to address breaches or risks promptly
• Penalty notices – financial penalties issued for specific non-compliances
• Enforceable undertakings – formal commitments by providers to take corrective action
• Suspension or cancellation of approvals – where a service is unable to continue operating due to serious non-compliance
• Other regulatory actions – as required under the National Law and Regulations

Entries include the provider’s name, the nature of the non-compliance, and the enforcement action applied.

For families, the register is an important tool in building trust and accountability. By publishing enforcement decisions, the Department ensures families have access to clear, factual information about services, including where regulatory requirements have not been met.

This level of transparency supports families in making informed decisions about early learning and care, while reinforcing confidence that the regulator is actively monitoring compliance.

For providers, the register underscores the importance of strong compliance systems, governance and oversight. The publication of enforcement actions serves as a reminder that:

• Compliance is not optional, breaches carry real consequences that are visible to the sector and the public.
• Issues that may initially appear minor can escalate if not addressed promptly and systematically.
• Documenting processes, reviewing policies, and acting early are essential steps in managing risk and meeting obligations under the National Quality Framework (NQF).

The register also offers a broader learning opportunity for the sector. By reviewing published actions, providers can identify recurring themes, such as supervision, safe environments, or governance requirements and reflect on whether their own services have the right safeguards in place.

Ultimately, the register reflects the Department’s central role in protecting children’s safety, wellbeing and learning outcomes. Publishing enforcement actions demonstrates that the regulatory system is not only enforcing standards but also doing so in a way that is transparent and accessible to the public.

This visibility supports a culture of accountability, reminding services that the safety and dignity of children remain the highest priority in every decision.

The Register of Published Enforcement Actions is updated regularly and is available on the NSW Department of Education website here.