National Child Safety Training for the Education and Care Sector

In September 2025, the Australian Centre for Child Protection (ACCP) was engaged on behalf of the Queensland Department of Education together with Australian state and territory governments and the Australian Government to develop a suite of nationally consistent training courses to strengthen child safety across the education and care sector.

Development of the National Child Safety Training follows on from an earlier initial scoping project that identified sector needs, training priorities, and opportunities for training. The project responds directly to recommendations from the Review of Child Safety Arrangements under the National Quality Framework (the Review), which highlighted the need for improved safeguarding, particularly through strengthened workforce capability and the development of a consistent child safe culture across the sector.

A key recommendation from the Review was the introduction of mandatory, nationally consistent, child safety training for all individuals working within Approved Provider organisations in services regulated under the National Quality Framework.

From 27 February 2026, all persons with management or control, nominated supervisors, persons in day-to-day charge, staff members and volunteers, including students are mandated to completion child safety training under the National Law.

The industry-specific training package will support educators, volunteers (including students), other frontline workers, managers, and leaders to understand their responsibilities, recognise and respond to risks of harm, and create environments where children are safe, supported, and able to thrive

The Foundations of Child Safety courses, Understanding Child Safety and Understanding and Identifying Child Abuse and Neglect, were released on 27 February 2026 in conjunction with commencement of the new legislation, marking an important milestone for the sector.

Development of the Advanced Child Safety courses, Enhancing Safety and Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect and Responding to Safeguarding Concerns is now progressing. As part of this next phase, we invite staff and those connected to the education and care sector to participate in upcoming consultation sessions. These sessions will provide an early look at the Advanced Child Safety courses and an opportunity to contribute to the refinement of their content prior to finalisation. Workshops will be held between 28 April and 4 May (spaces are limited).

Provide Your Feedback via Online Consultation Workshops 

Attend one of the 6 x 2-hour workshops:

Participation is voluntary, and attendance at only one session is necessary.

Spaces are limited – register now to ensure your voice helps shape this national training package.

REGISTER HERE