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Standard 7.1 now explicitly embeds child safety: What “governance” needs to look like in 2026

A subtle wording change in the National Quality Standard (NQS) is sending a clear signal to approved providers and service leaders: child safety is not only a practice matter, it is a governance responsibility.

2026-01-16 07:15:42

by Fiona Alston

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NSW Digital Hub puts children’s data security back in the spotlight for ECEC services

A New South Wales Government digital portal designed to streamline funding and reporting for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services has prompted fresh concerns about how children’s personal information is stored, accessed and protected. 

2026-01-15 07:30:14

by Fiona Alston

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Cost of living eased with Three-Day Guarantee 

For many Australians, the Three Day Guarantee launched this week may pass quietly in the background, particularly for those not directly engaged in the early learning system... But for families raising young children today and participating in early learning, the Albanese Government’s decision to provide three days of subsidised child care each week for all children, is a tangible and long-overdue step toward easing household pressures through cost-of-living relief. 

2026-01-15 07:00:50

by Fiona Alston

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NSW signals tougher child safety oversight: what a funding boost to the Office of the Children’s Guardian could mean for ECEC services

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across New South Wales should expect increased compliance activity after the NSW Government announced additional funding to strengthen the Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG), the state’s independent child safety regulator.

2026-01-14 13:45:15

by Fiona Alston

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Looking ahead: What the ECEC sector can expect in 2026

As 2026 begins, early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across Australia are preparing for a year of substantial reform, focused on strengthening child safety and raising the bar on national standards. Following a series of agreements by Education Ministers in 2025, new changes to the National Quality Framework (NQF) and the Education and Care Services National Law will take effect progressively throughout the year. These reforms reflect the shared commitment of educators, families, communities and governments to place child safety and wellbeing at the centre of early learning environments.

2026-01-12 07:15:47

by Fiona Alston

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Looking ahead: What the ECEC sector can expect in 2026

2026-01-12 07:15:47

by Fiona Alston

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NSW regulator permanently closes Sydney childcare service after long-running safety and compliance concerns

2026-01-12 07:00:59

by Fiona Alston

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Sustaining the spark: How early childhood leaders and educators can avoid burnout

2026-01-12 08:00:31

by Fiona Alston