Vickids Early Learning

For parents

Keeping children safe in early learning

Every early learning service in Australia must follow strict child safety laws, and national laws were strengthened again in 2026. This guide explains what services must do, what you can look for, and who to contact if you are worried.

National child safe principles

The 10 National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, endorsed by all Australian governments, describe what a child safe organisation looks like. Each state and territory also has its own child safe rules for early learning services. In plain terms, a safe service will:

1. Lead on safety

Build child safety into its leadership, governance and culture.

2. Listen to children

Help children understand their rights and take their views seriously.

3. Involve families

Keep families and communities informed and involved.

4. Include everyone

Uphold equity and respect each child's needs and background.

5. Choose staff carefully

Make sure people who work with children are suitable and supported.

6. Handle concerns well

Respond to complaints and concerns in a child-focused way.

7. Train staff

Give staff and volunteers the knowledge and skills to keep children safe.

8. Keep spaces safe

Reduce risks in physical and online environments.

9. Keep improving

Regularly review and improve how it keeps children safe.

10. Write it down

Have clear policies and procedures that show how it is child safe.

Who checks services

Each state and territory has an early childhood regulatory authority. It approves services, investigates complaints and incidents, and checks that services follow the national early childhood law and the National Quality Standard. The national body, ACECQA, oversees the system across Australia.

Every service receives a public quality rating. You can look up any centre on the ACECQA national register, or read how ratings work.

What changed in 2026

After serious cases in the sector in 2025, governments across Australia agreed to tougher national child safety laws for early learning.

  1. 2 January 2026
    Penalties tripled

    Maximum fines under the national law tripled, and more offences can now attract fines.

  2. 27 February 2026
    The biggest set of changes

    Everyone needs a current Working with Children Check before starting work in a service. Child protection and child safety training became mandatory for staff and volunteers. Personal devices are now restricted. Inappropriate conduct towards children became an offence, and services must display their quality and compliance history. A National Early Childhood Worker Register is being set up.

Children's safety, rights and best interests are now the paramount consideration in every regulatory decision. Some states have added their own extra rules on top.

Phones and photos

Since 27 February 2026, national law limits personal devices in centre-based services. This covers anything that can take, store or transfer photos or video, such as phones, tablets, smart watches with cameras and USB drives.

What the rules say

  • Educators working with children do not carry personal devices, apart from limited essential reasons such as an emergency.
  • Photos and videos of children may only be taken on devices owned by the service.
  • Visiting professionals and photographers must use work-only devices.

What it means for you

  • You can keep your phone with you at drop-off and pick-up.
  • Please do not take photos at the centre, even of your own child, as other children may be in the picture.
  • Photos of your child's day should reach you through the centre's own app or system.

Reporting concerns

Every state and territory has mandatory reporting laws. Many early childhood educators and teachers are required by law to report to child protection when they believe a child is at risk of serious harm. Who must report, and what must be reported, differs between states.

Anyone can make a report, even if they are not a mandatory reporter. You do not need proof, only a genuine concern.

Questions to ask a centre

A safe service will be happy to answer these. Clear, confident answers are a good sign.

  • Can I read your child safe policy and code of conduct?
  • How do you check and train new staff, students and volunteers?
  • How are children supervised during nappy changes, toileting and rest time?
  • How are photos of children taken, stored and shared?
  • How do you help children learn about feelings, body safety and speaking up?
  • If I have a concern, who do I talk to, and what happens next?

Talking with your child

Simple, everyday conversations help young children feel safe to speak up.

  • Use the correct names for body parts, and explain which parts are private.
  • Help your child name a few trusted adults they can go to, at home and at the centre.
  • Teach the difference between surprises, which are fun and short, and secrets that make them feel worried.
  • Ask open questions about their day, and listen calmly when they tell you something.
  • Notice changes such as new fears, trouble sleeping or not wanting to go somewhere, and talk with the centre or a professional if something feels wrong.

Raising a concern

If a child is in immediate danger, call 000.

For other worries about a child's safety, contact the child protection service in your state or territory.

For concerns about how a service is run, you can speak to the centre director first. If you are not comfortable doing that, or you are unhappy with the response, contact the regulatory authority in your state or territory. You do not need the service's permission to contact the regulator.

Official sources

This page is a plain-English summary. For the full rules, see:

Information checked November 2026.