Second round of consultations to shape national child safety training for ECEC sector

The development of a nationally consistent child safety training package for the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector is entering its second phase, with stakeholders invited to participate in upcoming consultation workshops.

In September 2025, the Australian Centre for Child Protection (ACCP) was commissioned by the Queensland Department of Education, in collaboration with all state and territory governments and the Australian Government, to develop a suite of nationally consistent training courses aimed at strengthening child safety across the ECEC sector.

The National Child Safety Training project builds on a previous scoping initiative that identified sector needs, training priorities and opportunities. It directly responds to key recommendations from the Review of Child Safety Arrangements under the National Quality Framework, which emphasised the urgent need to strengthen workforce capability and embed a consistent child safe culture across all services.

A central recommendation from the Review was the introduction of mandatory, nationally consistent child safety training for all individuals working within Approved Provider organisations regulated under the National Quality Framework.

The industry-specific training package is being designed to support volunteers (including students), educators, frontline workers, managers and leaders in understanding their responsibilities, recognising and responding to risks of harm, and building environments where children are safe, supported and able to thrive.

The training is scheduled to roll out nationally in 2026 and will be mandatory for all staff, volunteers and students working within services.

An initial round of sector consultation took place in October 2025, enabling the project team to validate the outcomes of the initial scoping work and ensure alignment with real-world practice. A second round of consultation will be held in December 2025 and will offer participants a preview of the Foundation-level online training modules and the opportunity to contribute feedback ahead of finalisation.

Consultation workshops

Members of the ECEC workforce are encouraged to register for one of six upcoming online consultation workshops, each two hours in duration. Participation is voluntary, with attendance at only one session required. Enrolment is subject to availability.

To register for a consultation workshop, visit the Australian Centre for Child Protection website.

The development of this training marks a critical step toward equipping the ECEC workforce with the knowledge, skills and confidence to protect children and uphold their rights. The ACCP and project partners thank all participants for their ongoing commitment and collaboration in strengthening the culture of child safety across the sector.