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.

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 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.

Updated on: 10/12/2025