NSW Child Safety Reforms

On 27 February 2026, Australia’s early childhood education sector entered a new era of accountability and child protection. The commencement of Part 6A of the National Law introduced strict bans on personal devices, mandatory child safety training, and a legal requirement that every decision must prioritise children’s well-being.

In NSW, these national reforms operate alongside even stronger state-specific measures, including regulator directions that extend device restrictions to all staff and family day care services. Offences now apply to unauthorized device possession, and regulators have expanded powers to enforce compliance.

For educators, this date represents more than a compliance milestone—it signals a cultural shift. Services must embed child safety into daily practice, ensure transparency, and adopt proactive measures to protect children’s privacy and well-being.

Here’s a clear list of the reforms that are in place as of 27 February 2026, when Part 6A of the National Law commenced nationally (with NSW applying even stronger rules):

Device Restrictions

• Staff and educators cannot use personal devices (phones, tablets, cameras) while working directly with children.
• Only service‑authorised devices may be used for educational documentation.
• Possession or use of unauthorised devices during child contact is now an offence.
• NSW strengthened this further with the Education and Care Services (Supply, Authorisation and Use of Devices) Order 2026.

Paramountcy Principle

• All decisions by providers, supervisors, educators, and volunteers must prioritise the safety, rights, and best interests of children.

Mandatory Training

• Child safety and child protection training became compulsory for all staff.
• Ongoing professional learning requirements clarified.

Compliance & Transparency

• Services must display compliance and quality history for families.
• Incident, injury, trauma, and illness records updated to meet new standards.

Recruitment & Employment

• Mandatory child‑safe recruitment practices and ongoing employment checks.
• Stronger rules for family day care residences and related providers.

Enforcement Powers

• Regulators gained expanded powers:
  • Suspension and supervision of services.
  • Emergency powers to respond to risks.
  • Stronger penalties for unapproved family day care services.
  • Authority to inspect premises and monitor related providers.

Workforce Register

• Establishment of a National Early Childhood Workforce Register to track qualifications, compliance, and suitability.

As of 27 February 2026, child safety became a binding legal obligation across all early learning services, with device bans, mandatory training, and stronger enforcement powers front and centre.

Further Reading

How To Get Ready For The New Child Safety Changes 
NQF Child Safety Changes From 1 September 2025 
A New Era for Child Safety
New Digital Device Safety Standards
Strengthening Child Safety in NSW ECEC

Reference: 
Child Safety Reforms