Latest news from the Education Standards Board
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21 October 2026
From the Chief Executive
Since the last Regulatory Bulletin I’m pleased to share some positive developments across the sector and reflect on the valuable contributions of services and stakeholders.
It has been encouraging to hear the positive early feedback on the enhanced Assessment and Rating (A&R) process introduced in July. Services have told us that the optional pre-visit call with their allocated Authorised Officer has helped clarify the process, build rapport and provide a better understanding of how quality practice can be demonstrated ahead of the site visit. The time between the visit and ratings discussion is also providing services with an opportunity to reflect on their practice, consolidate evidence and prepare for meaningful conversations about their service.
I am also pleased to see more services demonstrating Exceeding practice. This is a positive achievement and reflects the dedication, professionalism and ongoing commitment to continuous improvement across the sector.
Over recent months, I have continued to meet with stakeholders from across the sector. These conversations are invaluable in hearing different perspectives, understanding emerging issues and challenges, and strengthening our shared focus on positive outcomes for children and families.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the recent yourSAy consultation on the Education and Early Childhood Services (Registration and Standards) Act 2011, either through a written submission or by completing the community survey. Your feedback will help inform the independent reviewers with their final report and recommendations, which will be provided to the Minister for Education, Training and Skills later this year.
As we approach the end of the year, thank you for your continued commitment to providing quality and safe education and care across South Australia, and to building a strong culture of continuous improvement across the sector.
Benn Gramola
Chief Executive
Education Standards Board
Early Childhood Education and Care
New toolkit to support quality inclusive practice
A new Inclusion Ready Toolkit has been developed to help approved providers, service leaders and educators strengthen inclusive practice and support every child's right to participate, belong and thrive in an early childhood education and care service.
New campaign helping families build confidence in choosing quality education and care
Australian families will be supported to make confident decisions about early childhood education and care through a new government campaign.
Update the National Early Childhood Worker Register today
From 27 February 2026, the National Early Childhood Worker Register (worker register) became operational across Australia.
New resources to support quality OSHC practice
ACECQA has released a suite of resources to support quality practice in outside school hours care (OSHC) services.
Mandatory child safety training update: New advanced course available
To strengthen safeguarding practices and support the safety and wellbeing of every child, everyone involved in providing education and care under the National Quality Framework (NQF) must now complete mandatory child safety training.
New child safety team meeting package available
Services can now access the National Quality Framework (NQF) child safety team meeting package, a practical resource developed by ACECQA to support team discussions and strengthen child-safe practices within education and care services.
Disability Standards for Education training available
From 1 August 2026, the Disability Standards for Education 2005 (the Standards) apply to early learning services that are approved to administer the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) or are legally required to deliver an education program based on an approved learning framework.
New safe sleep training for family day care services
A brand-new safe sleep microskill has been developed for family day care services across Australia.
Everyone involved in family day care has an important role to play in keeping children safe.
Reduce burn risk by checking the surface temperature of outdoor play areas
As temperatures increase, services should regularly assess the temperature of outdoor play surfaces and equipment before children access them.
ESB attends Flying Start Early Childhood Awards
Representatives from the ESB were pleased to attend the 2026 Flying Start Early Childhood Awards, with Chief Executive, Benn Gramola, joined by Executive Director Regulation and Quality, Sean Heffernan and A/Manager, Quality Assessment, Elaine Hewitt.
How to build a strong child protection culture
As part of a broader awareness campaign by the Department of Human Services (DHS), we're sharing this friendly reminder about child safe essentials for organisations that provide services to children and young people.
Christmas closures and notification requirements
The Education Standards Board (ESB) is aware that many education and care services close for a routine period over Christmas and New Year, or on scheduled pupil free days.
Schools
Back to basics: Understanding schools' regulation
The ESB plays an important role in supporting safe, high-quality education for children and young people across South Australia. While school registration is often the most visible part of our work, schools regulation is much broader than that.
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