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# Service closures for mandatory child safety training

# Service closures for mandatory child safety training


Starting in **2026**, CCS-approved early childhood education and care (ECEC) services will be able to close for short periods to allow staff to complete **mandatory child safety training**.

| For further information see: [Service Closures for mandatory Child Safety Training](https://www.education.gov.au/early-childhood/about/quality-and-safety/service-closures-mandatory-child-safety-training?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8B2mZsCFaPuOrrRa5rzmtYX4ewC6H4Zk2aAXzX3voSci_dZZ4G5yjT6mHl3g_-IQWg68kcDimrZ3lO6cFwvxntqrwIhg&_hsmi=17987625&utm_content=17987625&utm_source=hs_email)


### **What is Changing?**

From **2026**, CCS-approved early childhood education and care (ECEC) services can:
* **Close for up to 5 hours annually** to allow staff to complete **mandatory child safety training**.
* **Continue claiming Child Care Subsidy (CCS)** during these closure periods.

### **Why is this being implemented?**

* Supports services in meeting **mandatory child safety training requirements**.
* Minimises **disruption for families**.
* Addresses concerns about **time and cost** for providers.

### **Closure Rules**
* Services **must not close before 5:00 PM**.
* Closures can extend until the end of normal operating hours.
* Services have **flexibility** in how they schedule these closures.

### **Background**

* Mandatory child safety training announced [August 2025](https://www.education.gov.au/early-childhood/announcements/joint-action-child-safety) as part of **national reforms** to improve safety and quality in ECEC.
* Subject to **legislation passing** before implementation.

### **Benefits**
✔ Improved child safety standards
✔ Reduced compliance burden for services
✔ Families remain financially supported

# What do I need to do?

* **Plan ahead** and prepare staff for training.
* **Tell families early** so they can arrange other care if needed.
* **Keep records** of closure times.
* Use closures **only for mandatory child safety training**.
* Ensure your Policies & Procedures are updated to include these closures
### **Important**
* Families still **pay the gap fee** during closures under Family Assistance Law.
* This ensures fairness and prevents misuse of CCS.


|| More details for providers, services, and families will be shared soon.