Child Protection Responsibilities

ACECQA have published a helpful blog on child protection and the responsibilities of childcare services. However, it should also be mentioned that the National Law (except in Western Australia) requires child abuse to be reported to the Regulatory Authority as provided in regulation 175(2) (see Australian Childcare Regulation, pages 11 and 77). In addition, approved providers are required to operate services in a way that ensures the safety, health and wellbeing of children, as provided in section 51(1) (ACR, page 33) and there is a requirement on approved providers, nominated supervisors and family day care educators to protect children from harm and hazard under section 167 (see ACR, pages 40-1).