Waivers

Centre-based and FDC services affected by bushfires, floods or other emergencies can apply for a temporary waiver. We can grant temporary waivers for:

• Physical environment – e.g. fencing, indoor space or outdoor space requirements
  

• Staffing – e.g. ratios or educator qualifications

Waivers related to emergencies are:

• Considered on a case-by-case basis
  

• Only open to services in clear need, and as long as there’s no increased risk to children’s safety
  

• Fast-tracked

We'll consider the period of time a waiver is granted so services don't have to reapply each day they don't meet the requirements.

To apply for a waiver:

• Submit an application in NQA ITS (SA08 Application of service or temporary waiver). Select the temporary waiver option.
  

• Pay the fee – we'll refund this fee as long as your application is related to a current emergency.

We can provide advice on your options and help you with your application.

For advice and assistance on lodging a waiver application, please contact us by:

• calling 1800 619 113
  

• emailing ececd@det.nsw.edu.au.

In the event of a bushfire, flood or other emergency and where a service has to close for a significant period of time, the department may be able to assist with placements for local children. Contact the department by:

• calling 1800 619 113
• emailing ececd@det.nsw.edu.au

Temporary relocations (Centre-based services)

If your service premises is damaged or affected by bushfires, floods or other emergencies, you can apply for a temporary relocation of your service.

Temporary relocation applications relating to emergencies are considered on a case-by-case basis and will be expedited.

To apply for temporary relocation:

• Submit an application in NQA ITS (SA01 Application for service approval – centre based)
  

• Pay the fee – we'll refund this fee as long as your application is related to a current emergency.

We can provide advice on your options and support you with your application.

For advice and help with lodging a temporary relocation application, please contact us by:

• calling 1800 619 113
• emailing ececd@det.nsw.edu.au.

Temporary increase to maximum numbers (Centre-based services)

In regions affected by bushfires, floods or other emergencies, services can apply to temporarily increase the maximum number of children who can be educated and cared by the service at any one time.

Applications to temporarily increase maximum numbers are:

• Considered on a case-by-case basis.
  

• Only open to services in clear need, and as long as there’s no increased risk to children’s safety.
  

• Fast-tracked – if related to a current emergency.

To apply for a temporary increase to maximum numbers:

• Submit an application in NQA ITS (SA03 Application for amendment to service approval)
  

• Pay the fee – we'll refund this fee as long as your application is related to a current emergency.

We can provide advice on your options and help you with your application.

For advice and assistance on lodging a temporary increase to maximum numbers application, please contact us by:

• calling 1800 619 113
  

• emailing ececd@det.nsw.edu.au.