Leading with care through national child safety reforms

From 27 February 2026, important changes to Australia’s National Quality Framework (NQF) will strengthen child safety across education and care services nationwide.

As a leading OSHC provider, we strongly support these reforms.

Child safety is not something we respond to when rules change. It is the foundation of how we operate every day. These updates reinforce what families expect and what children deserve. Safe, trusted environments where wellbeing always comes first.

Why these reforms matter

The NQF child safety reforms set clearer national standards for professional conduct, accountability and safeguarding. They are designed to ensure every child, in every service, is protected by consistent expectations, no matter where they live or who provides their care.

What families and communities can expect

For children, it means safer environments that support their physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing.
For families, this means greater confidence and transparency.
For our educators and staff, it means stronger guidance and shared responsibility.

What is changing from 27 February 2026?

A wide range of national child safety reforms will come into effect under the National Quality Framework. These include updates to provider responsibilities, workforce oversight, training, professional conduct, compliance and service operations. These reforms represent a significant step forward for the sector.

Below are just some of the key changes that directly relate to our services and teams, and the way we deliver safe, trusted care. For a complete list of all approved reforms, visit ACECQA’s official guidance on changes to the National Quality Framework.

Mandatory child safety training

All staff, volunteers and students working in education and care services will complete nationally consistent child protection and child safety training. This ensures everyone understands their responsibilities in keeping children safe, even if their role does not involve direct care.

At JAG, we are actively preparing to support our teams through this training in a way that is practical, timely and embedded into everyday practice.

A National Early Childhood Worker Register

A new national register will provide improved oversight of who is working in education and care services. Workforce information will be kept up to date by approved providers, strengthening accountability and safeguarding across the sector.

We see this as an important step in building trust and consistency, and we are preparing our systems and processes to support this change.

Clear rules around personal devices

The reforms reinforce that personal devices such as phones, smart watches and cameras must not be used while working directly with children and must never be used to photograph or film children.

JAG already holds firm expectations in this area. These changes further support professional boundaries that protect children’s privacy and dignity.

Inappropriate conduct is now a legal offence

Any behaviour that a reasonable person would consider inappropriate towards a child, including behaviour that could cause physical, emotional or psychological harm, is now explicitly an offence.

This sends a strong message that child safety is non‑negotiable.

How JAG is supporting these reforms

For us, these reforms are not about ticking boxes. They align with the safeguards, training and culture we continue to strengthen across our services.

We are:

• Preparing our teams for nationally consistent child safety training

• Ensuring workforce records and systems meet upcoming national requirements

• Reinforcing clear expectations around professional conduct and device use

• Continuing to invest in education, leadership and child‑safe culture across all services

Most importantly, we continue to centre children’s voices, wellbeing and lived experience in how we design and deliver care.

Our commitment to child‑safe practice

Change can feel complex, especially in a sector built on relationships and trust. But strong child safety frameworks do not limit care. They protect it.

We welcome reforms that lift standards across the sector. We are proud to work alongside families, educators and regulators to ensure children are safe, supported and able to thrive, now and into the future.

Learn more about the full national reforms

For more information on all of the national reforms, visit the ACECQA Child Safety resource hub.