The latest National Quality Framework (NQF) Snapshot (April to June 2026), released by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), highlights the important role of regulators in monitoring services, responding to non-compliance and ensuring children receive safe, high-quality education and care.

The report shows the Commission issued 203 compliance notices and 89 compliance directions during the quarter, an increase of 10.3 per cent (184) and 2.3 per cent (87) respectively, compared with the same period in 2025.

A key feature of the NSW Government’s early learning reforms is a more robust regulatory framework, enabling the Commission to identify risks, intervene earlier, and take firm action when providers fail to meet their obligations.

During the April to June quarter, there were 35 prohibition notices issued in NSW, representing 56 per cent of all prohibition notices issued nationally. A prohibition notice prevents an individual from working in the early childhood education and care sector where they are assessed as posing an unacceptable risk to children.

The latest data reflects both the size of NSW’s early childhood education and care sector and the Commission’s proactive approach to identifying risks, supporting providers to improve, and taking decisive action where necessary.

Pleasingly, the report also highlights strong quality outcomes across NSW, with 93 per cent of early childhood education care providers rated as Meeting the National Quality Standard or above.

The NSW Early Learning Commission continues to work alongside its state counterparts and providers to strengthen compliance with the National Law, support continuous improvement, and ensure the safety, wellbeing and rights of children remain at the heart of every regulatory decision.

Please attribute to NSW Early Learning Commissioner Daryl Currie:

"The latest national data shows the vast majority of early learning services across NSW are delivering quality education and care, and that's something providers, educators and families can be proud of.

"Strong quality and strong regulation go hand in hand. Most providers are meeting their obligations, but where concerns are identified, families rightly expect the regulator to act.”

"The NSW Early Learning Commission regulates Australia’s largest early learning sector, and this data demonstrates the important role the Commission plays in supporting quality improvement while taking action when children’s safety is at risk.”

MEDIA: Cassandra Bain 0477 404 823 | media@earlylearningcommission.nsw.gov.au