One year on, childcare safety reforms show progress in reporting and training, but true safeguarding depends on culture and daily practice.
It has been over twelve months since sweeping child safety reforms reshaped the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector. These reforms promised stronger protections, clearer reporting obligations, and tougher compliance measures. But the question remains: have they truly changed practice, or are they still seen as another layer of regulation?
What Changed
Over the past year, several major reforms have been introduced to strengthen safeguarding in childcare services. These changes were designed to close loopholes, increase accountability, and ensure families can trust that centres are prioritising child safety. The reforms introduced practical measures that educators now encounter daily. For example, when a child discloses harm, educators must act immediately rather than waiting for management approval. Similarly, staff movements are tracked nationally, preventing unsafe individuals from quietly shifting centres.
- 24-hour reporting rule: Allegations of abuse must be reported within a day, removing discretion that previously led to delays.
- Mandatory child safety training: Nearly all educators have completed Stage 1, with Stage 2 underway.
- National worker register: Prevents unsafe staff from moving between centres unnoticed.
- Funding powers: Centres risk losing subsidies if they fail to comply.
- Transparency reforms: Families can now see compliance actions against providers.
Are They Working?
he reforms have improved compliance, but examples show mixed results. In some centres, staff now confidently escalate concerns within hours. In others, reporting is still delayed by fear of reputational damage. Training has raised awareness, but without reflection time, educators struggle to embed lessons into routines.
- Compliance is stronger: Reporting rates have increased, and regulators are acting faster.
- Training uptake is high: Educators are more aware of obligations, though application in daily routines varies.
- Culture shift is slower: Some services still treat safeguarding as a “tick-box” exercise rather than a lived practice.
- Workload pressures remain: High turnover and limited reflection time mean policies risk becoming shelf documents.
What Educators Can Do
Practical examples show how reforms can move beyond compliance. A centre might schedule five minutes at the end of each shift for staff to reflect on safety incidents. Another might redesign outdoor play spaces to eliminate blind spots. Parents can be engaged through monthly body-safety workshops.
- Embed safeguarding in routines: Apply training during transitions, outdoor play, and supervision.
- Foster open reporting cultures: Encourage staff to raise concerns without fear of reprisal.
- Engage parents: Share body safety resources and build trust in reporting pathways.
- Advocate for design improvements: Push for clear sightlines, secure entrances, and safe play areas.
- Schedule reflection time: Regularly review policies and practices as a team.
The Ongoing Challenge
Child safety reforms have laid a strong foundation, but legislation alone cannot protect children. For example, a centre may meet all compliance requirements yet still fail to notice peer-to-peer bullying in unsupervised corners. True safeguarding depends on educators embedding safety into everyday practice, leaders fostering cultures of openness, and families being active partners in prevention.
One year on, the reforms are working but only as far as educators make them real in their service. Compliance is the floor, not the ceiling. The real measure of success will be whether children feel safer, families feel confident, and educators feel empowered to act.
Further Reading
NSW Child Safety Reforms
How To Get Ready For The New Child Safety
NQF Child Safety Changes From 1 September 2025
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