Working with Children Checks extended for three months

People who are granted an extension will be advised by email and the system will be automatically updated.

As restrictions are extended due to COVID-19, the primary concern for the Office of the Children's Guardian is the safety of children.

A NSW Working with Children Check clearance lasts for 5 years and then needs to be renewed.

There are more than 40,000 clearances in NSW that are due to expire in the next two months. This includes teachers and medical staff who require a clearance and may be restricted in their capacity to go to a Service NSW centre to finalise their renewal application.

The Children’s Guardian has extended all clearances that were due to expire from 19 July to 26 September for a further three months. The three-month period applies from the date of the person’s current expiry date.

People who are granted an extension will be advised by email and the system will be automatically updated. Employers should update their records to indicate the change in their employee’s expiry date.

People applying for the first time will need to go through the regular application process, which includes attending a Service NSW centre to verify their identity. This is to maintain the integrity of the Working with Children Check and ensure that children are not put at undue risk.

One of the strengths of the NSW system is that it is underpinned by ongoing, continuous checking. By extending these clearances, the Children’s Guardian will also be able to continuously monitor the people working with children and advise employers should anyone become barred through the continuous monitoring process.