April 22nd, 2026
Latest News
From 24 April 2026, new NSW legislative changes under the Children (Education and Care Services National Law Application) Amendment Act 2025 will come into effect. These changes from the government(s) are designed to reinforce the protection, wellbeing and rights of children, while providing clearer expectations for providers and services.
The changes include a combination of new requirements and refinements to existing obligations. Some will require immediate action from Approved Providers, services and early childhood educators and teachers, while others aim to improve clarity and support stronger compliance and oversight. Ongoing guidance and resources will be provided by the NSW Early Learning Commission to assist services with implementation.
Most of these changes are already reflected in ACA NSW's existing policies, with further updates made based on the latest information. Further policies and templates from the NSW Early Learning Commission are expected in the coming days/weeks, and ACA NSW will advise members once available.
The reforms requiring action from 24 April 2026 include: (Please ensure you use your ACA NSW members' username and password to access resources/materials)
Reforms Requiring Action |
ACA NSW Resources/Materials Available |
Child Safe Recruitment and Ongoing Employment Practices |
|
Child Safe Environments |
Child Safe and Wellbeing Policy and Procedure |
Embedding the Paramountcy Principle in Policies, Procedures and Practice |
Discipline and Procedures Policy |
Protected Disclosures |
The Commission will develop a protected disclosures sample policy to assist providers and leaders in embedding these practices. The sample policy will be shared with the sector in upcoming weeks. Services are encouraged to adapt this sample to suit their own context. |
Understanding of Child Protection Law |
|
Updates to Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Records |
|
Accepting the Position of an Educational Leader |
|
Keeping Records of Educators Working Directly With Children |
A template is being developed by the NSW Early Learning Commission that services may choose to use, along with detailed guidance on the change. |
Expanded Conditions on Approved Providers |
(See Section 19) of Children (Education and Care Services) National Law (NSW) |
For any further information/clarification, members can contact ACA NSW via 1300 556 330 or nsw@childcarealliance.org.au.
PUBLISHED: 22 APRIL 2026
