Stricter child safety rules now in force for early childhood centres

Children playing safely at a childcare centre – Image created by ChatGPT with DALL·E by OpenAI.

VOCABULARY LIST

1. Regulation (noun) /ˌrɛɡjəˈleɪʃən/
   A rule made by an authority.
   The new child safety regulations are now in place across all services.

2. Safeguard (noun/verb) /ˈseɪfɡad/
   Something that protects from harm.
   The policies act as safeguards to keep kids safe.

3. Compliance (noun) /kəmˈplaɪəns/
   Following rules or laws.
   Services must show compliance with the new reporting rules.

4. Allegation (noun) /ˌæləˈɡeɪʃən/
   A claim that someone has done something wrong, usually without proof yet.
   The centre reported an allegation of abuse within 24 hours.

5. Timeframe (noun) /ˈtaɪmfreɪm/
   A set amount of time for something to happen.
   The new law set a 24-hour timeframe for reporting incidents.

6. Prohibit (verb) /prəˈhɪbət/
   To officially not allow something.
   Vaping devices are now prohibited in childcare centres.

7. Embed (verb) /ɛmˈbɛd/
   To put deeply or firmly into something.
   Child safety is embedded into the updated standards.

8. Jurisdiction (noun) /ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃən/
   The official power to make and apply laws.
   The changes apply across all Australian jurisdictions.

9. Uphold (verb) /ʌpˈhoʊld/
   To support or maintain something, especially a principle.
   The reforms aim to uphold every child’s right to safety.

10. Best practice (phrase) /bɛst ˈpræktəs/
    The most effective and recognised way of doing something.
    Centres must follow best practice child protection guidelines.

ARTICLE

From 1 September 2025, stronger child safety rules have started under the National Quality Framework (NQF). These rules cover all early childhood education and care (ECEC) centres around Australia.

The new requirements are part of a national plan to embed better safeguards for kids and make sure services follow best practice in protecting children. The changes also respond to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

To help services, the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) has shared resources, including a short video.

What’s changed from 1 September 2025:

• Digital technology policies: Centres must have clear rules about using phones, cameras, and online platforms. These policies must show how staff use, check, and manage technology to keep children safe.

• 24-hour reporting timeframe: Services now must report any allegation or incident of physical or sexual abuse to the right authority within 24 hours. This is much faster than the old 7-day rule.

• Prohibition on vaping devices: All vaping devices and substances are now banned in early childhood services to protect children’s health.

Coming soon – January 2026

Further updates to the National Quality Standard (NQS) will take effect, with new wording in areas about Children’s Health and Safety and Governance and Leadership.

What services must do now

All ECEC providers must make sure their policies, staff training, and reporting systems meet the new rules. These regulations are not optional, they are enforceable and central to compliance. The aim is to uphold every child’s right to safety and protection.

For more details and support, visit the ACECQA website.

SOURCE:

This article is based on: https://thesector.com.au/2025/09/01/nqf-child-safety-changes-now-in-effect-1-september-2025/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Reflection Questions

Instructions:
Use these questions as:
– Speaking practice (e.g. talk to yourself, record and listen back)
– Writing practice (e.g. short paragraph answers)
– Class discussion with your teacher or classmates

1. Why do you think the reporting timeframe was reduced from 7 days to 24 hours?

2. How can digital technologies create both risks and benefits in childcare services?

3. Why is banning vaping devices an important safety measure?

4. What does “compliance” mean in the context of childcare services?

5. How can services show they are upholding children’s rights?

Comprehension activity - multiple choice

1. What is the main purpose of the new NQF rules?

A. To reduce the number of staff in childcare centres
B. To make child safety stronger and more consistent
C. To stop children from using mobile phones
D. To increase fees for parents

2. How quickly must services report abuse allegations now?

A. Within 7 days
B. Within 48 hours
C. Within 24 hours
D. Immediately during the same hour

3. What will change in January 2026?

A. The NQF will be cancelled
B. New wording will be added to parts of the National Quality Standard
C. Services will be allowed to use vaping devices again
D. Parents must write their own child safety policies

Submit

Like this style? In my 1:1s, we use real news to make your Aussie English stronger and more natural.