Spot checks are unannounced, in-person visits conducted by authorised officers and will continue in 2026. Their purpose is to ensure services are meeting their legal obligations and correctly managing the CCS. These checks are part of strengthening compliance and safeguarding children’s well-being.
What Happens During a Spot Check?
Officers will:
- Introduce themselves and show official ID
- Provide required forms (such as a consent-to-enter form)
They may review:
- Compliance with Family Assistance Law (FAL)
- Enrolment and attendance reporting—verifying records against actual attendance
- Fee and payment processes
- Working With Children Checks (WWCC) for current staff
If officers observe anything that may affect safety or quality, they will report it to the relevant state or territory regulator.
Why Spot Checks Matter
Spot checks support:
- Accurate CCS administration – ensuring families receive the correct subsidy
- Safe, high-quality care – protecting children’s wellbeing
- Strong and consistent practices – reinforcing sector standards
Educator Reflection Prompts
- How confident am I that our enrolment and attendance records match daily practice?
- Are our fee and payment processes transparent and well-documented?
- Do all staff have current Working With Children Checks, and are these records easily accessible?
- How do we prepare for unannounced visits while maintaining calm and professional practice?
Practical Tips for Educators
- Keep compliance records up to date and organised.
- Ensure enrolment and attendance reporting is accurate and timely.
- Regularly check WWCC status for all staff.
- Foster a culture of readiness and transparency – spot checks should feel like a natural extension of everyday practice.
Spot checks are not about catching services out; they are about supporting safe, fair, and high-quality care. By embedding strong compliance practices, educators can approach these visits with confidence and professionalism.
Further Reading
You Must Legally Notify Your Regulatory Authority On Certain Issues
Active Supervision In Early Childhood Settings
Reporting An Early Childhood Service
Upcoming Changes To The NQF, Education and Care Services
Why Educators Must Report Unsafe and Unethical Practices
The Professional Development Subsidy – National Child Safety Training will be open for applications on 28 April 2026, giving providers the opportunity to strengthen staff skills