The Department of Education has undertaken a comprehensive review of contractor employee screening processes. This review identified 12 critical actions to strengthen how contractors are vetted and monitored that will ensure greater consistency across staff working on school sites and enhance the safety measures in place to protect our staff and students.

What’s changing

• From 31 January 2026, all existing Facilities Maintenance Contractors (FMCs), Local Contractors (LCs) and their employees must complete a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) before accessing any NSW Department of Education school site.
• This requirement is effective immediately for any new FMCs, LCs and their employees.
• Verification of completed NCCHCs must be submitted prior to adding individuals to the FMWeb 2.0 system and site attendance.
• NCCHCs must be renewed at least every 2 years.
• Local contractors or employees charged or convicted of serious offences must report this to their employer immediately.
• Employment and access to department school sites for those who have a serious offence will be placed on hold until a determination is made based on further assessments by the department.
• The department’s assessment will be based on Schedule 2 of the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.
• The cost of NCCHCs is the responsibility of FMCs, local contractors or their employees.

Looking ahead

The department is working with the Office of the Children’s Guardian for valid Working with Children Checks to be mandatory for all FMCs, local contractors and their employees, for paid employment by 1 July 2026. Further guidance will be provided early next year.

Why these changes are happening

• To build on the findings and recommendations of the recent departmental report, ensuring safer school environments.
  

• To provide consistent, nationally coordinated criminal history screening.

• To comply with child protection, safety, and quality standards.

• To improve contractor screening, onboarding, and monitoring processes.

These strengthened requirements are a direct response to the review’s findings and demonstrate the department’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our school communities.