Understanding the NSW Early Learning Commission Charter

The NSW Government has created the Early Learning Commission to strengthen child safety, quality, and accountability in early childhood education. This follows lessons from the Wheeler Review and new legislative reforms.

The Commission’s guiding principle is simple: Children first, always.

What Does “Children First, Always” Mean for You?

For educators, this means that every decision made by the Commission will prioritise the rights and best interests of children. Parents should feel confident that when they drop off their child each day, their child will be safe, respected, and nurtured. The Commission has been tasked with acting quickly when risks are identified and focusing on prevention—creating the conditions in which safety and quality are embedded into everyday practice.

• Every decision must prioritise the rights and best interests of children.
• The Commission will act quickly when risks are identified.
• Prevention is key: creating safe, nurturing environments every day.

Raising Quality Across the Sector

The Commission also has a clear mandate to lift quality and performance across the sector. While the vast majority of educators already work with dedication and care, breaches of trust will not be tolerated. Services and individuals considered high-risk will be closely monitored, and strengthened enforcement tools will be applied decisively and consistently. This approach is designed to protect children while supporting the integrity of the profession.

• Most educators already work with dedication and care.
• When rules are broken, the Commission will act decisively.
• High-risk services and individuals will be closely monitored.
• Enforcement tools will be applied consistently and fairly.

Strong Partnerships

Child safety cannot be achieved in isolation. The Commission will work in close partnership with other agencies, including the Office of the Children’s Guardian, the Department of Education, the Department of Communities and Justice, Commonwealth departments, and law enforcement. These relationships will be active and strategic, ensuring that protective action is coordinated and that emerging risks are identified early rather than waiting for harm to occur.

Child safety isn’t achieved alone. The Commission will work with:

• Office of the Children’s Guardian
• Department of Education
• Department of Communities and Justice
• Commonwealth agencies, law enforcement, and intelligence services

Educators can expect more coordinated protective action across agencies.

Leading the Nation

NSW has taken a leadership position in early learning reform, and the Commission is expected to reflect this stance in every forum. It will represent NSW as a jurisdiction that moves first, setting higher standards rather than waiting for consensus. This leadership role is intended to demonstrate the benefits of reform and to ensure that child safety and quality remain at the forefront of national conversations.

• NSW is setting higher standards in early learning.
• The Commission will represent NSW as a forward-leading jurisdiction.
• Expect reforms that move first, not wait for consensus.

Building a Courageous Organisation

Internally, the Commission must quickly establish itself as a centre of regulatory excellence. This requires a workforce with expertise, judgement, and integrity, supported by a culture that empowers escalation and principled decision-making. The organisation’s culture is expected to be rigorous, compassionate, and unafraid to act — reflecting the gravity of its responsibility.

• The Commission aims to be a centre of regulatory excellence.
• Staff culture will be principled, compassionate, and unafraid to act.
• Decision-making will be consistent, accountable, and transparent.

Transparency for Families

Transparency is another cornerstone of the Commission’s work. Families want stronger protections and clearer information, and the Commission must deliver both. This includes publishing meaningful information about its actions, improving complaints handling so families experience clarity and respect, and reporting regularly on sector performance and child safety. Transparency is not optional; it is a defining feature of a modern, accountable regulator.

• Families will see clearly how decisions are made.
• Complaints handling will be faster, clearer, and more respectful.
• Regular reporting will show sector performance and child safety outcomes.

Continuous Review

Finally, the legislative changes underpinning the Commission will be formally reviewed within 12 months of assent. However, emerging issues will not wait for that review—the Commission is expected to respond to challenges as they arise, ensuring continuous improvement.

• Legislative changes will be reviewed within 12 months.

• Emerging issues will be addressed immediately, not delayed.

What This Means for Educators

• Your daily work matters: the Commission recognises most educators act with integrity.
• Accountability will be stronger: breaches of trust won’t be tolerated.
• Transparency will grow: families will have clearer insight into safety and quality.
• Collaboration is key: expect more joined-up action across agencies.

The Commission is here to ensure every child in NSW has access to safe, high-quality early learning. For educators, this means stronger protections, clearer expectations, and a culture that truly puts children first.

Reference:
Establishment of the NSW Early Learning Commission