Collaboration boosts safety in early learning environments for NSW children
The Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG) and the NSW Early Learning Commission have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for better collaboration and information sharing to improve child safety and wellbeing in early childhood education and care services across NSW.
The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation between the two agencies, recognising their shared commitment to protecting children and reducing regulatory overlap. It supports efficient use of resources and promotes alignment between the Child Safe Standards and the National Quality Framework.
Under the agreement, the OCG and the Commission will share insights and compliance information to strengthen oversight of child safety practices, while maintaining their independent statutory responsibilities. The agreement allows for the sharing of information that includes:
- concerns about early education and care organisations
- outcomes from assessments and investigations
- sector insights and trends
- details about educators or staff members that are the subject of a negative notice, enforceable undertakings or prohibition notices.
Acting Children’s Guardian Rachael Ward said the partnership between the OCG and the Commission will reinforce their mutual commitment to supporting the safety of NSW children in early learning environments.
'Cross-agency collaboration is critical because child safety is a shared responsibility,' Ms Ward said.
'By working together, we can streamline regulatory processes and provide clearer guidance to services – ultimately creating safer spaces for children to learn and thrive,’ she said.
Acting Early Learning Commissioner Daryl Currie said the two agencies had a longstanding positive and collaborative relationship.
‘This is about building a stronger, more connected regulatory system that prioritises the safety of every child and provides reassurance to families,’ Mr Currie said.
‘Working together transparently and consistently supports better decision making and more timely responses when safety or wellbeing concerns arise.
‘It allows us to better support providers to respond to risks, improve practices and uphold high standards to safeguard children.
‘It supports the Commission’s objective to minimise administrative burden for services by promoting streamlined engagement, avoiding duplication and helping to ensure that regulatory activity remains coordinated and proportionate,’ he said.
The MOU takes effect immediately and will be reviewed every 12 months.
