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NSW child-safety watchdog faces rising reportable conduct workload: What the latest data means for ECEC services
Recent NSW media coverage has again put the Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG) under the spotlight, focusing on whether the state’s child-safety systems are keeping pace with rising allegations and screening demands.
2026-01-16 07:35:37
by Fiona Alston
Policy
Practice
Provider
Quality
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
Research
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When heat shapes learning before school: What a major cross-national study means for ECEC practice
Heat management in early childhood services is usually framed as a health and safety issue, sun protection, hydration, rest, and reducing the risk of heat illness. New research suggests it may also be a learning and development issue, with unusually high temperatures linked to lower rates of being “developmentally on track” for some foundational skills in the preschool years.
2026-01-15 08:30:08
by Fiona Alston
Practice
Research
Carbon footprints in the preschool years: What a new Scientific Reports study suggests about teaching sustainability through early science
A newly published paper in Scientific Reports argues that the “carbon footprint” can become a practical, age-appropriate entry point for sustainability learning in the early years, when educators translate abstract ideas into everyday routines such as switching off lights, saving water and sorting waste. Based on interviews with award-winning early childhood science teachers across three Middle East countries, the study proposes a framework for embedding carbon footprint concepts through experiential learning, cultural relevance and consistent practice.
2026-01-15 07:45:05
by Fiona Alston
Policy
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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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Sustaining the spark: How early childhood leaders and educators can avoid burnout
2026-01-12 08:00:31
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Provider
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Australia’s population outlook: What it means for the early childhood sector
2026-01-13 08:00:47
by Fiona Alston
Workforce
Practice
Quality
Setting intentional goals for 2026: Supporting educators to grow, reflect and thrive
2026-01-14 06:46:06
by Fiona Alston
