Free governance and risk tools available for ECEC providers

The Governance and Risk Management Program delivered in partnership between the NSW Department of Education and Early Childhood Australia (ECA) offers free, practical support to early childhood education and care (ECEC) providers and leaders across NSW. 

The Program comprises four self-paced online modules accompanied by fact sheets and practical tools focused on embedding strong governance and risk management practices into day-to-day service management. 

It is designed for approved providers, centre managers, nominated supervisors and persons with management or control (PMCs), effectively anyone with governance or leadership responsibility in an ECEC service. 

The modules cover critical areas such as:

• Effective policy implementation
• Understanding and managing risk
• Creating and maintaining safe environments, and responding to incidents
• Leadership and service management that builds accountability and quality. 

Under the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Law (NSW) and the National Quality Framework (NQF), ECEC services must meet strict standards for governance, safety and quality.

As the sector grows and regulatory expectations increase, effective governance and risk management are no longer optional, they are essential to ensure children’s safety, staff wellbeing, compliance and quality service delivery. The Program supports services to meet these obligations with clarity and confidence.

This Program is especially relevant for:

• Service leaders and managers seeking to refresh policies and governance systems.
• Approved providers and boards wanting to strengthen oversight, transparency and accountability.
• Newly established services or services undergoing change (e.g. new management, expansion, re-licensing).
• Services looking to embed continuous improvement culture, especially around safety, compliance, and risk-led decision making.

By completing the Program and adopting its resources, services can:

• Develop strong, fit‑for‑purpose governance policies aligned with regulatory requirements under the NQF and National Law. 
• Build organisational capacity to identify, assess and manage risks from physical hazards to supervision, emergencies, and compliance breaches. 
• Strengthen leadership and management practices, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities and accountability structures across the service. 
• Foster a safer, more transparent environment for children, families and staff,  contributing to improved quality outcomes and community trust.

The Governance and Risk Management Program offers a timely, practical and no‑cost opportunity for ECEC services across NSW to strengthen their governance, safety and compliance foundations. In an environment where accountability, child safety and service quality are under increased scrutiny, investing in robust governance is not just good practice, it’s essential.

To access the Governance and Risk Management Program, including free online modules, fact sheets and tools, visit the NSW Department of Education website.