16 December 2025

From the Chief Executive 

As we approach the end of 2025, I am pleased to take this opportunity to reflect and acknowledge the dedication and commitment of everyone across our Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) and school sectors.

This year has seen significant action towards national child safety reforms, legislative changes and improved transparency with a collective focus on safeguarding children. The amendments in September to the National Regulations addressing the safe use of digital technologies, notification timeframes and vaping are positive steps forward to ensure all children have access to safe, high-quality education and care. Further changes to the National Quality Standards effective from 1 January 2026, will also explicitly reference child safety in the Standards.

The Education Standards Board (ESB) has experienced significant growth throughout 2025 supported by additional Government funding. This additional funding has enabled us to increase our workforce, strengthen our regulatory presence and responsiveness, and enhance quality assurance.

In 2026, ESB will continue its strong presence with a clear focus on regulatory priorities and quality improvement. A key highlight will be our Meet the Regulator Event which will provide an invaluable opportunity for educators, services, and approved providers to engage directly with ESB in a collaborative, non-regulatory setting. I encourage you to complete this survey to register your interest, nominate key topics and submit questions. Your input will play a vital role in shaping the agenda for this event.

I hope you all enjoy a safe and relaxing festive period, and I look forward to continuing to work together in the year ahead.

Benn Gramola
Chief Executive
Education Standards Board

Early Childhood Education and Care

Starting Blocks transparency updates

Since November 2025, the StartingBlocks.gov.au website included new information about service and Approved Provider compliance. Families are now able to view enforcement actions on service and provider pages.

Common gaps and trends in safe use of digital technologies policies

The ESB has identified common areas where services have not met a key requirement or element within their safe use of digital technologies and online environment policies.

State Regulations update

The Education and Early Childhood Services (Registration and Standards) Regulations 2025 (State Regulations) and the Education and Early Childhood Services (Registration and Standards) (Amendment of Schedule 2 of Act) Regulations 2025 (Regulations to amend Schedule 2 of the Act) commenced on 1 December 2025.

Enforceable Undertakings

An Enforceable Undertaking is a written agreement between an Approved Provider or an individual that outlines actions they will take to reduce non-compliance with the National Law and Regulations.

ESB Annual Report 2024-25

The Education Standards Board Annual Report 2024-25 has been released and is available on the ESB website. The report provides a comprehensive overview of ESB’s performance and achievements from the past year. To view the report, click here.