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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
Quality
Provider
Policy
Practice
NSW regulator permanently closes Sydney childcare service after long-running safety and compliance concerns
A Sydney long day care service has been permanently shut down following what has been reported as more than a decade of breaches of national safety standards, in a move being described as the first permanent closure under strengthened NSW enforcement settings.
2026-01-12 07:00:59
by Fiona Alston
Quality
Workforce
Policy
Provider
Tracy Beaton appointed as Victoria’s new Principal Commissioner for Children and Young People
The Allan Labor Government has appointed experienced clinical leader and child protection reformer Tracy Beaton as the new Principal Commissioner of Victoria’s Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP).
2026-01-09 07:30:38
by Fiona Alston
Policy
Practice
Quality
NSW Ombudsman report prompts calls for independent child safety oversight
A damning report by the NSW Ombudsman has uncovered significant failings in the state’s Intensive Therapeutic Care (ITC) program, prompting renewed calls for the establishment of an independent Child Safety and Wellbeing Commission.
2026-01-09 06:30:46
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Policy
Quality
ECEC services set to be included under amended Disability Standards for Education
Amendments to extend the Disability Standards for Education 2005 to include early childhood education and care (ECEC) services are currently before the Australian Parliament, in a move expected to strengthen protections for children with disability in the years before school.
2026-01-08 07:30:10
by Fiona Alston
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The transformative power of affection: How nurturing care shapes early childhood development in Guatemala
2026-01-07 07:00:56
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Provider
Quality
Workforce
3 Day Guarantee comes into effect: New CCS rules unlock access for families and children
2026-01-05 06:30:55
by Fiona Alston
Quality
Practice
Research
Crayola Creativity Week 2026 launches as research highlights strong link between creativity and confidence
2026-01-06 07:00:35
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