NQF Child Safety Changes From 1 September 2025 and 1 January 2026
To implement new child safety reforms rolling out in two phases from 01 September 2025 and 01 January 2026, ACECQA has released two new guides:
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The NQF Child Safe Culture Guide—for embedding child-safe attitudes and practices.
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The NQF Online Safety Guide—for navigating digital risks and promoting safe online engagement.
From 1 September 2025:
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24-hour reporting: Services must notify regulatory authorities within 24 hours of becoming aware of any allegation, complaint, or incident involving physical or sexual abuse (down from the current 7-day window).
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Ban on vaping: All ECEC environments must be free from vaping substances and devices, expanding on existing bans for tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs.
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Digital safety policies: Services must implement clear policies and procedures for the safe use of digital technologies, including image capture, device use, and online environments.
From 1 January 2026:
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Refinements to the National Quality Standard (NQS):
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Quality Area 2: Element 2.2.3 will become Child Safety and Protection, emphasizing staff responsibilities in identifying and responding to abuse or neglect.
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Quality Area 7: Governance and leadership will explicitly include child safety in systems, policies, and continuous improvement practices.
Reportable Conduct Scheme enables an appropriate response if harm or misconduct occurs. It requires organisations to report and investigate allegations or convictions of child abuse or child-related misconduct (reportable conduct) made about their workers and volunteers.
Child Safe Standards aim to create environments that prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children
The Family Assistance Law is the basis for Commonwealth child care fee assistance, which includes the Child Care Benefit (CCB) and Child Care Rebate (CCR).
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is the main way the Government assists families with their child care fees, and is targeted to provide greater assistance to low and middle income families.
For children to develop and grow in healthy and positive ways, they need life to be stable, even when their family faces tough times.
If you feel that you’ve lost your way or been side-tracked, Family and Child Connect can give you a hand to get back on track.
It’s confidential, free and worth the call. Access to interpreters is available.
Supporting the inclusion of children in early childhood education and care services across Queensland.
The NDIS takes a lifetime approach, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life.
Your first step into early childhood education & care. Understanding your child’s development. Find child care.
Importance of physical activity and how to get children active.
Healthy Food and Drink Supply Strategy for Queensland Schools.
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) commenced on 1 January 2014 and provides access to benefits for basic dental services to around 3 million children aged 2-17 years.
