Enhancing child safety: key insights
The NSW early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector provides safe, welcoming places for children to learn, grow and thrive.
As the Regulatory Authority for the sector in NSW, the NSW Department of Education’s priorities are the health, safety and wellbeing of children. We respond immediately to serious incidents. Where required, we work in partnership with NSW Police, the Department of Communities of Justice and the Office of the Children’s Guardian.
By working with early childhood education and care services and providers, and in line with our Child Safe Action Plan (PDF 2.5MB), the department will strengthen child safe practice and supports to keep children safe. The department is committed to sharing learnings to minimise risk of harm to children.
All staff directly working with children in ECEC services are mandatory reporters. If you witness or suspect inappropriate actions in your service, you must make a report. In NSW it is a criminal offence to fail to report known child sexual offences and child physical abuse.
Educator-to-child ratios and adequate supervision must be maintained at all times in ECEC services to support the safety of children. Ratio and supervision requirements work together in creating environments that focus on the needs, safety and wellbeing of children.
Educational leaders, persons with management or control and nominated supervisors must guide and support staff on child protection practices, fostering a robust culture of safety.
Approved providers must regularly monitor and ensure adherence to child safety policies and procedures they have in place. Excellent practice around child safety means having strong policies and procedures in place and regularly checking that they are implemented correctly.
Limit or closely supervise the use of personal devices to safeguard children – we strongly encourage implementing the Model Code and Guidelines.
Providers need to uphold a strong reporting culture where staff are encouraged to report when children’s safety is compromised. Providers must support staff to say something and do something promptly if there are concerns.
Integrate these standards into everyday practices and make child safety a continual priority.
Reflecting on child safety should be a daily practice and priority.
More information about the regulatory requirements relating to Child Safety is available on our providing a child safe environments page.
Free learning resources have been produced in partnership with the Office of the Children’s Guardian to increase staff awareness of their responsibilities in relation to child protection and enhance child safe practice in your service.
Anyone with a concern can also contact the NSW Regulatory Authority on 1800 619 113 or email ececd@det.nsw.edu.au.