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Raising the standard Tasmania: What the new program could mean for ECEC quality and oversight
The Tasmanian Government has launched Raising the Standard Tasmania, a new program intended to lift standards and strengthen oversight across early childhood education and care (ECEC). Announced on 13 January 2026, the program will provide targeted support to Tasmanian services through mentoring, workshops, eLearning and professional development, with delivery planned across the next two years and an outcomes report due in early 2028.
2026-01-21 07:00:52
by Fiona Alston
Quality
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Playground safety checks in early learning: Why regular equipment inspections matter in 2026
Recent reports of playground injuries in early learning settings have identified the critical role of routine playground inspections, as updated 2026 regulatory reforms place greater emphasis on child safety, risk management and service-level governance.
2026-01-19 07:30:49
by Fiona Alston
Policy
Quality
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Approved provider to be charged over serious child safety allegations in Victoria
The Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) shall be bringing 13 criminal charges against Team Holiday Pty Ltd, trading as TeamKids, in relation to serious alleged breaches of the Education and Care Services National Law that may have placed children at risk.
2026-01-19 07:00:40
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
Workforce
Quality
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Sustaining the spark: How early childhood leaders and educators can avoid burnout
Burnout is a growing concern across the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector. From educators and early childhood teachers to centre managers and support staff, the toll of workforce shortages, regulatory demands and the emotional labour of the profession is becoming increasingly visible. As the sector continues to evolve, addressing burnout is not only a matter of wellbeing but also of quality, continuity and retention.
2026-01-12 08:00:31
by Fiona Alston
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Student placements are not a staffing strategy: The missing piece from our workforce conversation
2026-01-20 08:00:17
by Contributed Content
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Reforms risk failing as new data reveals $2.4b child-safety gap
2026-01-19 07:15:41
by Contributed Content
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The hidden workload: Why educators shouldn’t be responsible for cleaning
2026-01-19 07:45:10
by Contributed Content
