Over 1,300 ECEC services were visited in nationwide spot checks to strengthen compliance, support providers, and improve quality and safety.
Since November 2025, the Department of Education has carried out more than 1,300 spot checks across Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services. These visits are part of a national program designed to strengthen compliance, improve transparency, and support services in meeting their legal obligations.
What Are Spot Checks?
Spot checks are unannounced, in‑person visits conducted by authorised officers from the Department of Education. During a visit, officers will:
- Introduce themselves and show official identification
- Provide required forms, such as a consent‑to‑enter form
Work alongside service staff to:
- Verify enrolment and attendance accuracy
- Assess whether the Child Care Subsidy is being administered correctly
- Review records and compliance processes
- Offer guidance and information where needed
These checks are not intended to replace state or territory regulatory visits but rather to help services identify and address issues before they escalate.
Which Services Are Included?
Spot checks can occur at any CCS‑approved service across Australia. Officers have already visited:
- Centre Based Day Care
- Outside School Hours Care
- Family Day Care
These visits have taken place in metropolitan, regional, and remote communities, ensuring the program reaches services in diverse contexts.
Services can reduce compliance risks by regularly reviewing their practices and records. Key areas to check include:
- Working With Children Check details are current and reported through the Provider Entry Point
- Service information (fees, operating hours, contact details) is accurate
- Statements of Entitlement meet Family Assistance Law requirements
- Every child has an appropriate care arrangement in place
- Enrolment, attendance, and session reports are accurate and supported by records
Spot checks are part of the department's broader work to improve quality and safety across the sector. If officers notice any concerns relating to quality or child safety, these are referred directly to the relevant state or territory regulator.
Further Reading
Unannounced Spot Checks To Continue In 2026
Reference
Over 1,300 ECEC services were visited in nationwide spot checks to strengthen compliance, support providers, and improve quality and safety.
Since November 2025, the Department of Education has carried out more than 1,300 spot checks across Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services. These visits are part of a national program designed to strengthen compliance, improve transparency, and support services in meeting their legal obligations.
What Are Spot Checks?
Spot checks are unannounced, in‑person visits conducted by authorised officers from the Department of Education. During a visit, officers will:
- Introduce themselves and show official identification
- Provide required forms, such as a consent‑to‑enter form
Work alongside service staff to:
- Verify enrolment and attendance accuracy
- Assess whether the Child Care Subsidy is being administered correctly
- Review records and compliance processes
- Offer guidance and information where needed
These checks are not intended to replace state or territory regulatory visits but rather to help services identify and address issues before they escalate.
Which Services Are Included?
Spot checks can occur at any CCS‑approved service across Australia. Officers have already visited:
- Centre-Based Day Care
- Outside School Hours Care
- Family Day Care
These visits have taken place in metropolitan, regional, and remote communities, ensuring the program reaches services in diverse contexts.
Services can reduce compliance risks by regularly reviewing their practices and records. Key areas to check include:
- Working With Children Check details are current and reported through the Provider Entry Point
- Service information (fees, operating hours, contact details) is accurate
- Statements of Entitlement meet Family Assistance Law requirements
- Every child has an appropriate care arrangement in place
- Enrolment, attendance, and session reports are accurate and supported by records
Spot checks are part of the department's broader work to improve quality and safety across the sector. If officers notice any concerns relating to quality or child safety, these are referred directly to the relevant state or territory regulator.
Further Reading
Unannounced Spot Checks To Continue In 2026
Reference
Spot Checks: Over 1,300 Services Visited Nationwide, Department Of Education, Australia