From 27 February 2026, it is now a legal requirement that every decision and action in early childhood education and care services must put the safety, rights, and best interests of children first. This change elevates what was once a guiding principle under the NQF into a statutory duty.

The Child Safe Standards provide a nationally consistent framework to ensure that organisations working with children create environments that are safe, inclusive, and empowering. In OSHC settings, these standards are not just about compliance; they are about embedding a culture where children’s rights, voices, and well-being are central to everyday practice.

Reflection is a powerful tool for educators: it helps identify strengths, highlight gaps, and ensure that child safety is lived in daily routines rather than just written in policy. The following reflection questions are designed to guide OSHC teams in critically examining how each of the 10 Child Safe Standards is enacted in practice. They encourage staff to move beyond “tick‑box” compliance and towards genuine, child‑centered engagement.

Practical strategies to embed NSW Child Safe Standards in childcare, ensuring safety, inclusion, and strong family partnerships.

From 01 July, new Child Safe Standards commenced to better protect children and to provide more clarity for organisations. The eleven new Standards have replaced Victoria’s seven standards and principles.

In response to the Royal Commission regarding institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, The Teacher Accreditation Act 2004 has been amended. From now on the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) will be making decisions about teacher accreditation at all levels, including the early childhood sector.

The Child Safe Standards recommended by the Royal Commission provide a framework for making organisations safer for children. They have been accepted by the NSW government. Based on extensive research and consultation, the Standards provide tangible guidance for organisations to create cultures, adopt strategies and act to put the interests of children first, to keep them safe from harm.