Important update about a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
Dear services and providers
We are writing to share an important update regarding an emerging issue which may impact a number of early childhood educators, services and providers across WA.
The Australian Government had advised that the Australian Skills and Quality Authority (ASQA) has cancelled the approval of a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), SPES Education which may impact early education and care qualifications issued from 8 January 2024 to 17 May 2025.
ASQA will notify impacted students. The Education and Care Regulatory Unit (ECRU), as the regulatory authority for the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector in WA, is working closely with ASQA.
Our priorities are the health, safety and wellbeing of children. We will work with providers and services to support them to meet regulatory requirements and operate safely.
Information for impacted educators
ASQA will contact all students who obtained a qualification from the RTO between 8 January 2024 to 17 May 2025 giving notice of intent to cancel their qualification and providing the opportunity for students to reply by 1 July 2025.
Affected educators should advise their nominated supervisor so that a notification can be made to ECRU.
Information for service providers and nominated supervisors
Approved providers and nominated supervisors are responsible for the qualifications of their staff. They must notify ECRU if they become aware a staff member has obtained a qualification from SPES Education during the period of 8 January 2024 to 17 May 2025.
If you are concerned that you will not be able to meet staffing ratios due to staff impacts, it is essential that you contact ECRU to discuss the situation and possible actions you can take (subject to the ASQA notice of intent process being completed).
Reporting concerns regarding qualifications
If you have concerns about an RTO or the qualifications of an educator employed at your service, please contact ASQA on 1300 701 801 or submit a report via its Contact us page.
Educators who are concerned about their qualifications should also contact ASQA for guidance.
Information on qualification requirements
Services and educators can access further information about qualification requirements on the ACECQA website.
We now understand that around 600 individuals were located in Western Australia at the time they gained their qualification. We do not know how many are currently working in early childhood education and care (ECEC) in Western Australia.
- As a provider it is important that you take prompt action to check your records and ensure you are able to continue to meet qualification and ratio requirements.
- As the employment information available to ASQA cannot be relied upon to be complete and current, we continue to strongly recommend that all ECEC providers check their staffing records for potentially invalid qualifications.
- Contact ASQA - refer to the ASQA website for further information.
- Contact the Regulatory Authority to discuss possible actions you can take if you are concerned about maintaining ratios and meeting qualification requirements.
For more information
- If you have questions, please contact ECRU on
- telephone (08) 6277 3889.
- freecall 1800 199 383; or
