ELAA calls for cultural shift and stronger national consistency in child safety reforms

Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA) has called for a broader, more culturally embedded approach to child safety in its submission to the National Child Safety Review under the National Quality Framework (NQF), highlighting a series of recommendations aimed at ensuring safer and more inclusive early learning environments.

Developed in consultation with its membership of not-for-profit early learning providers, the submission responds to the six key themes of the review and urges action not only on regulatory consistency but on fostering a culture that places children’s emotional and physical safety at the centre of practice.

“At Early Learning Association Australia, we believe child safety is everyone’s responsibility,” ELAA CEO Dr Karina Davis said.

“We have long advocated for a culture that respects children and ensures their safety and wellbeing in all aspects of their learning and care.”

The review has gained fresh momentum following recent media reports that have placed child protection in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector under national scrutiny.

“Our members are doing their best to prioritise children’s safety and wellbeing every day,” Dr Davis added.

“But to do this effectively, they need clear, consistent national guidance, and strong support from our regulatory bodies. It’s not only about compliance, it’s about collaboration, and empowering services and staff to create environments where every child can thrive.”

Key recommendations

Among ELAA’s top priorities are:

• Nationally consistent mandatory training for all ECEC staff, including those not in direct contact with children
• Clear and consistent national guidance on mandatory reporting, child safe standards and training including the requirement to report inappropriate behaviour
• A comprehensive review of the Working with Children Check (WWCC) system
• Tighter oversight of temporary premises waivers
• Increased regulation of ‘related providers’
• Stronger controls around the use of digital devices in early learning settings

The organisation also called for a clearer definition of what constitutes child safety in ECEC contexts. ELAA is advocating for a shift away from narrow interpretations of child protection toward a more holistic framework that includes emotional security, belonging and joy in learning.

“Prioritising cultural change alongside regulation will be essential if reforms are to be effective,” ELAA noted.

The submission also recognises the sector’s operational pressures such as workforce shortages, low wages and the burden on small and independent services and stresses the need for adequate funding and support.

To access ELAA’s full submission, visit