Latest news from the Education Standards Board
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27 August 2026
From the Chief Executive
The ESB has recently introduced enhancements to the assessment and rating process, designed to support more open, meaningful and collaborative engagement with services. Since these changes were introduced in July, we have been encouraged by the positive feedback received from providers and service leaders across South Australia. In particular, services have welcomed the opportunity to connect with their regulatory officer before an assessment and rating visit. They have also found value in the dedicated post-visit discussion.
These enhancements reflect our commitment to ensuring the assessment and rating process is not only rigorous and transparent, but also respectful and focused on continuous improvement. I thank the sector for embracing these changes and providing the constructive feedback that promoted these changes.
As we continue to strengthen our regulatory practice, ongoing engagement with the sector remains essential. We are therefore pleased to now share the recording of our inaugural Meet the Regulator panel discussion, along with a comprehensive Q&A document addressing the many questions raised by the sector. Whether you attended the event or were unable to join us, these resources provide valuable insights into the role of the regulator, current priorities and the issues that matter most to services across South Australia.
Benn Gramola
Chief Executive
Education Standards Board
Early Childhood Education and Care
Major national reforms to strengthen child safety
On 15 July 2026, education ministers around the country agreed on critical reforms to further strengthen child safety in early childhood education and care (ECEC). These reforms follow extensive consultation with families and the broader ECEC sector.
Designing for child safety and effective supervision
New national guidance has been released to support the design of education and care service premises and outdoor environments, with a strong focus on child safety and effective supervision.
Mandatory child safety training: What you need to know
Creating and maintaining child safe environments is a shared responsibility across the early childhood education and care sector. 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.
What the latest NQF Snapshot tells us
Earlier this month, the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) released the Q2 2026 National Quality Framework (NQF) Snapshot.
Annual fee reminder: Avoid late fees
Under the Education and Care Services National Law, an annual fee is payable for each service approval held, including suspended services. Annual fees were due on 15 August 2026.
Meet the Regulator: Recording and Q&A now available
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Education Standards Board's (ESB) inaugural Meet the Regulator event in June.
With more than 200 attendees across two fully booked sessions, the event highlighted the sector's strong desire for direct engagement with the regulator and meaningful conversations about how we can collectively support high-quality outcomes for children and families.
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Adelaide SA 5001
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