The new national child safety training requirement ensures that all educators across Australia are equipped with consistent knowledge and practices to safeguard children. To support this, the government has introduced a measure allowing Child Care Subsidy (CCS)-approved services to close briefly each year so staff can complete the training without disrupting families.
What the Measure Allows
- Services may close for up to 5 hours per calendar year.
- Closures must begin no earlier than 5 pm.
- CCS can still be claimed during these closures.
- Families must continue to pay the gap fee under Family Assistance Law.
Who It Applies To
- Centre Based Day Care
- Outside School Hours Care
- Family Day Care and In Home Care educators
- For FDC and IHC, the 5-hour annual cap applies per individual educator, who may be unavailable between 5 pm and normal closing time (no later than midnight).
Educator Responsibilities
If your service chooses to use closures, you must:
- Plan and schedule the closure in advance.
- Notify families early to ensure transparency and trust.
- Complete the mandatory training during the closure period.
- Keep accurate records of closures and training completion.
Why This Matters for Educators
- Professional growth: The training strengthens your knowledge and confidence in child safety practices.
- Compliance: Completing the training ensures your service meets national requirements.
- Sector consistency: All educators across CBDC, OSHC, FDC, and IHC will be aligned in safeguarding standards.
- Family reassurance: Clear communication about closures helps families understand that their child’s safety is the priority.
This measure is not just about compliance; it’s about empowering educators with the tools and knowledge to protect children. By planning closures carefully, communicating openly with families, and documenting thoroughly, services can meet their obligations while reinforcing the sector’s commitment to child safety.
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