Key NQF Regulation Updates For 2023
New Changes For Centre-Based Services
As of October 1st 2023, there were a number of changes implemented for centre-based services regarding safety and staffing requirements within the National Quality Framework (NQF). At Young Academics, we pride ourselves on being across new regulations in the industry, these are the key changes that were implemented as per October 1st that childcare providers should be across.
Child Safety During Transitions
This applies to any child who is travelling from one centre to another, this can include children travelling between the childcare centre and a school, or from one childcare centre to another. This regulation requires providers to have policy, procedures and risk assessment processes in place to ensure the safe arrival of children when travelling between locations.
Sleep & Rest
Childcare centres and services are already legally required to have sleep and rest policies and requirements in place, the National Regulations have implemented a set of new matters that must be included in these policies and they must also undergo a risk assessment every 12 months.
Multi-Storey Buildings
There are a range of new requirements for services situated in multi-storey buildings, specifically those lacking direct egress to an assembly area. Emergency and evacuation procedures for such services must include coordination with other building occupants, specifying evacuation routes, identifying the person-in-charge during evacuation, and defining staff roles.
The approved provider must conduct a risk assessment at least annually, updating emergency and evacuation policies promptly if any issues affecting safe evacuation arise. There are penalties for non-compliance.
Child Safe Principles
A 2019 review of the NQF identified gaps between the National Child Safe Principles and the NQF. In accordance with new requirements under regulations 84, 149 and 168 services must review and update existing policies to be compliant.
Volunteer staff records should include working with vulnerable people/children to check details. Child safe environment policies must cover a safe culture and online use and complaint handling policies must address children exhibiting harmful sexual behaviours.
Transportation of Children
There were also changes implemented for any child care services that offer regular transportation of children as a part of their service at the centre. These new regulations mean that a staff member or nominated supervisor – other than the driver – must be there to account for all the children as they embark or disembark at the centre premises and keep a record of every child. A staff member must also check to ensure no children are left behind.
First Aid Requirements
Those at the centre that have maintained first aid qualifications must undergo regular training to refresh skills and confirm they are competent. Recent changes to National Regulations also show that certain qualifications must be completed within three years for consideration as current.
This includes approved first aid qualifications, with emergency life support and CPR requiring renewal within the past year. Anaphylaxis and emergency asthma management training also fall under this three-year requirement. Certificates must specify completion dates and validity periods for each qualification. Approved providers must ensure the qualifications are current by April 1, 2024.
Whilst these are some of the biggest changes in the industry, it’s best to keep an eye out whenever new regulations are introduced to ensure your childcare centre complies with all the latest changes and updates.
If you want to chat further about new industry changes or to see how our team at Young Academics has been implementing the changes, you can contact us today!