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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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Practice
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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Practice
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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
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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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Practice
Research
Workforce
Supporting children, families and educators during natural disasters
As bushfires continue to affect communities across Victoria, early childhood education and care (ECEC) services are once again navigating the complex realities of emergency response, temporary closures and trauma-informed support. For children, educators and families, these events can be deeply unsettling, with impacts that reach beyond the immediate fire zones.
2026-01-12 07:45:26
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

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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
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Setting intentional goals for 2026: Supporting educators to grow, reflect and thrive
2026-01-14 06:46:06
by Fiona Alston






