Sector updates

A copy of important sector updates are sent to all early childhood education and care services, approved providers and nominated supervisors email contacts listed in NQA ITS.

These emails are sent to the service and provider contact as listed in NQA ITS. If you believe you're not receiving these emails, make sure you:

  • check your contact details in NQA ITS and/or ECCMS

  • check that your provider is passing on key information

  • check your spam folder

  • ensure your mailbox isn't full.

If you are not an ECEC service or provider contact and would like to subscribe to the early childhood education and care update newsletter, please email ecedupdate@det.nsw.edu.au with your first name, surname and email address.

Email subject

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Early childhood education and care update

  • Read the Productivity Commission’s ECEC inquiry report.
  • Do you hold a provider approval but aren’t operating a service?
  • Guidance on safe transportation.
  • Learn more about the role of authorised officers.
  • 2025 program guidelines for community and mobile preschools.
  • ECCMS access changes from October 2024.
  • Discover nearby public primary schools with the School Finder tool.
  • Register now for ECE Connect October sessions.
24 September 2024

Early childhood education and care update

  • Ensure you receive assessment and rating notifications.
  • Review your sleep and rest in OSHC risk assessment.
  • Meet your requirements for medical management practice.
  • Get ready for the new ECEC Digital Hub – coming soon.
  • Health and Development Participation Grant for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
  • Discover NESA’s changes to professional development requirements.
9 September 2024

Quality and compliance in practice

  • Creating inclusive learning environments
  • Tips on reimagining 'waste' for loose parts play
  • Child Safe Standards – how they align with Quality Area 3
  • Learning through play at the beach, bush and river
  • Inside an ECEC service's outdoor learning environment
  • Strategies to support successful transitions to school
  • Tips to meet Quality Area 3 – Physical Environment
29 August 2024

Early childhood education and care update

  • Learnings on keeping children safe.
  • Learn about changes to published enforcement actions.
  • Sector updates to be sent to all nominated supervisors.
  • View ACECQA’s information sheets on the National Quality Standard.
  • Register now for ECE Connect – Online.
26 August 2024

Early childhood education and care update

  • The new Statement of Expectations for the NSW Regulatory Authority.
  • Express your interest to be an early adopter of the Aboriginal Cultural Safety Framework.
  • High Learning Support Needs and Inclusive Environments update.
  • Pay rise for ECEC professionals announced by the Commonwealth
  • Make sure your service has completed the 2024 Preschool Census.
  • Nominate an employer representative to NESA.
13 August 2024

Early childhood education and care update

  • Asthma management regulatory guidance note
  • Compliance focus – notifications requirements
  • Register for the Governance and Risk Management Program
  • ECE Connect online is back 26 August – 12 September
  • Be You educator wellbeing and crisis support workshops
  • 100 public preschools update
29 July 2024

Early childhood education and care update

  • Learn about our ‘Look Before You Lock’ safety awareness program.
  • Explore resources on developing policies and procedures.
  • Register for our face-to-face ECE Connect sessions in Armidale and Metford (Hunter).
  • Join our free Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day in Tamworth.
  • Read this month’s ECEC Spotlight – fostering a love of learning.
16 July 2024

Early childhood education and care update

  • ACECQA's new National Model Code and Guidelines to promote a child safe culture
  • Strength based approach to guiding behaviour
  • 2024 Annual Preschool Census opening soon
  • Watch this year’s ECEC NAIDOC Week video
  • NSW Skills Shortages survey launches next week
  • Online service finder for families
  • Learn about assessment and rating in an OSHC context
3 July 2024

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Quality and compliance in practice | June 2024

  • Exploring the 3 dimensions of sustainability in ECEC
  • Eight practical tips to support children's wellbeing
  • Early learners think big to share sustainability message
  • By the book – a story of social sustainability in action
  • Tips to meet Quality Area 6 – engaging families effectively
  • Compliance focus – safe sleep requirements
26 June 2024

Early childhood education and care update

  • NSW Government 2024-25 Budget.
  • What educators can expect during an assessment and rating visit.
  • Requirements for excursion risk assessments and authorisations.
  • Resources for health and development checks in services.
  • Get Digital Hub ready – even with unreliable internet.
18 June 2024

Early childhood education and care update

  • Is your service keeping children safe during sleep and rest?
  • Learn how to use the Self-Assessment and Quality Improvement Planning Portal.
  • Do you have consent to share information on social media?
  • Upcoming assessment and rating webinar for OSHC services.
  • Register now for a Flexible Initiatives Trial grant writing workshop.
  • Join a workshop on becoming an Accreditation Supervisor.
3 June 2024

Early childhood education and care update

  • Practical tips for notifying the NSW Regulatory Authority.
  • Annual service approval fees for providers are coming soon.
  • Have you registered for the new NQA IT System?
  • Update to High Learning Support Needs and Inclusive Environments Quarter 2 payments.
  • Enrol now in a course to support children with diverse needs.
  • Reflect on unconscious bias in your practice.
20 May 2024

Early childhood education and care update

  • Assessment and rating notice periods from July 2024.
  • Register now for a Flexible Initiatives Trial information session.
  • Secure your spot for the ECE Connect face-to-face sessions.
  • Formative assessment project expressions of interest now open.
  • Have you completed the NSW Regulatory Authority Sector Survey?
  • WWCCs are required prior to commencing employment in a service.
7 May 2024

Quality and compliance in practice | April 2024

  • Reflective practice – supporting service governance and leadership
  • Understanding ECEC food safety requirements
  • Our partial assessment and rating experience – Ballina Byron FDC
  • Using reflective practice to support compliance and quality
  • Tips to meet Quality Area 7 – establishing and maintaining quality service operations
  • ECEC Spotlight Series
30 April 2024

Early childhood education and care update

  • Register for our ECE Connect sessions in Sydney and Wagga Wagga.
  • Practical guidance on preventing and responding promptly to injuries.
  • Check out the new ECEC resource library.
  • There’s still time to have your say in the national workforce census.
  • Is your service eligible for a new program supporting ECEC services?
  • Access NESA’s free online Accreditation Supervisor workshop.
22 April 2024

Early childhood education and care update

  • Are you up to date on current safe sleep and rest guidance?
  • Now’s your time to provide feedback on the NSW ECEC Regulatory Authority.
  • Resources to help you select the best child-care management software (CCMS) for your service.
  • Discover NESA’s new Proficient Teacher Evidence Guide.
  • Applications for a $15,000 research scholarship are closing soon.
  • ECE Connect – Online recordings now available for viewing.
9 April 2024
Severe weather alert 5 April 2024

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Early childhood education and care update

  • The NQA IT System is being upgraded this weekend.
  • WWCC clearance is required for all staff in a service.
  • Read our refresher on staffing arrangements to ensure child safety.
  • Submit community preschool fee relief data for 2023 by 8 April 2024.
  • Register now for the National Workforce Census.

25 March 2024

Early childhood education and care update

  • Secure your spot for ECE Connect webinars.
  • Apply for funding of up to $7,500 to implement free health and development checks.
  • Submit your Start Strong Fee Relief data.
  • Apply now for a $15,000 research scholarship.
  • Resources to support services uplift compliance in challenging areas.
11 March 2024

Brighter Beginnings newsletter

  • Our new Brighter Beginnings online hub
  • Give every child the best start in life and learning
  • Health and development checks in ECEC services
  • New grants for health and development checks
  • Early childhood education entry and immunisation
  • Early Childhood Health and Development Community of Practice
  • Small Bites for Big Steps
  • Little Yarns
5 March 2024

Early childhood education and care update

  • Check your service details in the NQA ITS Portal.
  • Register now for ECE Connect – Online in March.
  • New campaign and online information hub promotes the importance of a child’s first 5 years.
  • Update to the High Learning Support Needs and Inclusive Environments funding.
  • NSW Government invests to meet growing demand for ECEC.
  • Revised indexation rate to alleviate cost pressures on services.
26 February 2024

Quality and compliance in practice | February 2024

  • Preparing for a successful year ahead
  • Implementing the Approved Learning Frameworks V2.0
  • Creating a mentally healthy and supportive workplace at ECTARC
  • Embedding Aboriginal language and culture in practice
  • Get to know the ECEC Information and Enquiries team
  • Tips to meet Quality Area 1 – Centring children’s voices within your program and practice
  • ECEC Spotlight Series
21 February 2024

Early childhood education and care update

  • Sharing the NSW ECEC Regulatory Authority‘s Child Safe Action Plan.
  • EPA investigation into asbestos in mulch.
  • Remaining sites announced for 100 new public preschools.
  • New toolkits to support reconciliation in your service.
  • Immunisation schedule changes and ‘no jab, no pay’ requirements.
19 February 2024

Early childhood education and care update

  • Updated Approved Learning Frameworks came into effect 1 February.
  • Live now: Self-Assessment and Quality Improvement Planning Portal.
  • Register your interest for the Quality Support Pathway's next round.
  • Apply for up to $7,500 to implement health and development checks.
  • Ensure your enrolment and attendance tracking system is compliant.
14 February 2024

Early childhood education and care update

  • Access free learning programs on supporting children’s behaviour.
  • See how a service implemented their emergency action plan.
  • New RPL tool for ECEC educators interested in diploma progression.
  • Watch the ECE Connect recordings from November and December.
31 January 2024
Updated Approved Learning Frameworks implementation 30 January 2024

Early childhood education and care update

  • New resources to support the implementation of the Child Safe Standards.
  • It’s time to review bushfire action and management plans.
  • Services are encouraged to advise families to monitor air quality.
15 January 2024
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ACECQA Review of Child Safety Arrangements under the National Quality Framework 21 December 2023

Early childhood education and care update

  • Disability and Inclusion Program funding update.
  • Express your interest in bringing the health and development checks program to your service.
18 December 2023

Quality and compliance in practice | December 2023

  • Compliance focus – harm and hazards in the physical environment
  • Setting the standard for preventing child abuse
  • How to recognise and respond to heat-related illness
  • Best practice tips from an OSHC service on safe transportation
  • Tips to meet Quality Area 2 – Effective injury management
  • Get to know the Quality Practice and Regulatory Support team
14 December 2023

Early childhood education and care update

  • Register your interest in the Gudjagang Gulgul advisory group.
  • It’s time to review bushfire management plans.
  • Plan ahead for hot weather.
  • Update your service details in National Quality Agenda IT System (NQAITS) System.
11 December 2023

Early childhood education and care update

  • Introduction of the new Food Safety requirements extended until December 2024.
  • Closing dates announced for the 2023-24 ECEC Scholarship Program.
  • Complete Transition to School Statements as part of your transition activities.
  • Free training program on understanding and supporting children’s behaviours.
5 December 2023

Early childhood education and care update

  • Secure your spot for our ECE Connect webinars.
  • Register now for ACECQA’s Quality Support Program.
  • Have your say to enhance the ECEC sector.
  • How will you celebrate World Children’s Day on 20 November?
20 November 2023

Early childhood education and care update

  • Find out how to apply for Proficient Teacher accreditation.
  • Watch our Flexible Initiatives Trial video and submit your application by 1 December.
  • Apply now for the 2023-24 VET ECEC Scholarships.
  • New OSHC resources are now available.
  • Effective emergency planning and management is essential for all services.
13 November 2023

Early childhood education and care update

  • Register now for ECE Connect – Online.
  • New food safety requirements from 8 December.
  • Updates about Disability and Inclusion Program Quarter 4 funding allocations.
  • National Regulations have been enhanced to support Child Safe Principles.
  • Are your first aid qualifications current?
7 November 2023

Early childhood education and care update

  • Complete a Transition to School Statement for children beginning Kindergarten in 2024.
  • Join our webinar to learn about the 2024 Disability and Inclusion Program.
  • Learn about the highest level of accreditation for early childhood teachers.
31 October 2023

Early childhood education and care update

  • ECE Connect webinars are back in November.
  • Celebrate the first-ever NSW Aboriginal Languages Week.
  • Register for the Flexible Initiatives Trial information session.
  • Have your say at IPART’s public hearing.
  • New inclusive educational program resources.
23 October 2023

Early childhood education and care update

  • Changes to safe arrival of children requirements.
  • Home Buyer Helper initiative supporting eligible first home buyers.
  • New feedback and complaints poster coming soon.
16 October 2023

Quality and compliance in practice | October 2023

  • Compliance focus – new safe sleep requirements
  • Co-designing activities with children boosts wellbeing
  • Building meaningful relationships within ECEC services
  • Setting early learners up for success at school
  • Kin Early Learning Queanbeyan emergency learnings
  • Continuous improvement – the real meaning behind self-assessment
  • Tips to meet Quality Area 5: Relationships with children
  • Get to know your Authorised Officer – Tayla Eastlake
11 October 2023

Early childhood education and care update

  • Announcing new scholarships for 2023-24.
  • Bassinets now prohibited from ECEC services.
  • Final round of National Quality Framework changes now in effect.
  • Time to prepare Transition to School Statements for 2024.
  • Ninganah No More Aboriginal language grants program now open.
9 October 2023

Early childhood education and care update

  • Register now for a Flexible Initiatives Trial information session.
  • Free health and development checks for 4-year-olds in ECEC services.
  • Be an early adopter for improvements to assessment and rating.
  • Trialling formative assessment tools to support children's outcomes.
  • Good record keeping practices support the delivery of high quality ECEC.
3 October 2023

Email subject

Send date

Early childhood education and care update

  • Plan and prepare for bushfire emergencies this summer.
  • Register for the Disability and Inclusion Program evaluation webinar.
20 September 2023
An update from the Department of Education 19 September 2023

Early childhood education and care update

  • Responding to poor air quality during hazard reduction burns.
  • A positive, strengths-based approach can empower children to regulate their own behaviour.
  • Changes to streamline teacher accreditation processes start this November.
13 September 2023

Early childhood education and care update

  • ECE Connect – On the Road kicks off this week.
  • Reflect on child safety this National Child Protection Week.
  • Check out the latest updates to the Immunisation Toolkit for services.
4 September 2023

Early Childhood Education and Care update

  • Information on the increased provision of preschool.
  • Bassinets will be prohibited from early childhood education and care (ECEC) services from 1 October 2023.
  • Definition expands for Persons with Management or Control.
  • Register to attend a webinar on the Disability and Inclusion Program evaluation.
31 August 2023

Early Childhood Education and Care update

  • The third round of National Quality Framework changes will come into effect from 1 October.
  • The 2023 Preschool Census closes Friday 25 August 2023.
22 August 2023

Quality and compliance in practice | August 2023

  • Transport safety – it’s a shared responsibility
  • Growing minds – the importance of STEM in early childhood
  • Fostering curiosity through STEM and storytelling
  • Embedding Aboriginal language and culture into service practice
  • Tips to meet Quality Area 1 – Educational program and practice
  • Get to know your AO – Kathy Dryden
17 August 2023

Early Childhood Education and Care update

  • ECE Connect is heading on the road.
  • ACCC addresses safety concerns with inclined sleep products.
  • Read the latest information on staying safe this winter.
14 August 2023

Early Childhood Education and Care update

  • ECE Connect recordings are now live.
  • The Preschool Census representative fortnight closes soon.
  • Nanga Mai Awards nominations are open.
  • Disability and Inclusion Program funding notifications have been distributed.
  • Learn about streamlined accreditation processes for elective professional development.
8 August 2023

Early Childhood Education and Care update

  • Nanga Mai Awards nominations are open.
  • ACECQA workforce survey closing this Friday 4 August 2023.
  • Disability and Inclusion Program funding notifications have been distributed.
2 August 2023

Early Childhood Education and Care update

  • Read about the upcoming improvements to assessment and rating.
  • Updated Guide to the National Quality Framework is now available.
  • Applications about to close for NSW Premier's Teacher Scholarships.
  • Check out the new tool to find grants and funding programs.
  • Accelerated degree pathway to boost pipeline of early childhood teachers in NSW.
24 July 2023

Quality and compliance in practice | July 2023

  • Creating a mentally healthy workplace at ECTARC
  • Family matters in the Northern Rivers region
  • Hunter OSHC educators connect to learn and share
  • Get to know Compliance Team 2
  • Tips to meet Quality Area 4 – Staffing arrangements
  • Compliance focus – Child Safe Standards
21 July 2023

Early Childhood Education and Care update

  • Download our new allergy and anaphylaxis risk minimisation tool.
  • Changes to provider and service application process.
19 July 2023

Early Childhood Education and Care update

  • The Safe Transport Regulatory Priority Program will commence 1 August.
  • Register for the upcoming webinar on understanding children with sexualised behaviour.
  • Get support in completing Transition to School Statements.
  • Child Care Subsidy changes commenced 10 July.
11 July 2023

Early Childhood Education and Care update

  • Celebrate NAIDOC Week with children at your service.
  • ECE Connect wraps up for June.
  • Applications open for NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarships.
  • The First Steps strategy midpoint update has been released.
4 July 2023
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