1 July 2026

From the Chief Executive 

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our recent Meet the Regulator sessions focused on the early childhood sector. Each session welcomed over 100 participants, demonstrating the sector’s strong commitment to collaboration and shared learning. The quality of discussion and willingness to engage openly reinforced the value of working together to strengthen quality and safety for children in early childhood settings.  

From 1 July 2026, the ESB will introduce enhancements to the assessment and rating process. These changes are designed to better align with approaches used in other jurisdictions and to provide services with greater opportunity to discuss their practice and engage in meaningful discussions throughout the assessment process. The ESB will continue its focus on transitioning services rated under the previous National Quality Standards (NQS) to the current NQS.

Consultation on the review of the Education and Early Childhood Services (Registration and Standards) Act 2011 is now open on the YourSAy website. The review focuses on the regulation of schools and the governance of the ESB to ensure South Australia is operating under modern and contemporary legislation. I encourage members of the school sector to review the consultation paper and provide a written response or complete the community survey.

Benn Gramola
Chief Executive
Education Standards Board

Early Childhood Education and Care

Reminder to complete the mandatory foundation National Child Safety Training by 27 August 2026

National child safety training is mandatory for everybody working or volunteering in early childhood education and care (ECEC) services regulated under the NQF. The free foundation training helps the sector meet their legal child safety obligations, strengthen safeguarding practices, and reduce the risk of harm to children.

Enhancements to our assessment and rating process

From 1 July 2026, the Education Standards Board (ESB) will introduce enhancements to the assessment and rating process for education and care services in South Australia. They have been designed to provide services with more opportunity to discuss their practice, clarify evidence and participate in meaningful discussions throughout the assessment process.

Flying Start Early Childhood Awards 

Nominations for the Office for Early Childhood Development (OECD) inaugural Flying Start Early Childhood Awards are now open!

The awards celebrate the dedication, expertise and heart of early childhood educators and services that help children thrive in learning and life. The awards are open to all early childhood professionals and services working across long day care, sessional preschools, Aboriginal organisations, allied health and community services in South Australia.

Real Skills Deserve Real Recognition Campaign

The Australian Government has recently launched the Real Skills Deserve Real Recognition campaign to support clearer understanding of recognition of prior learning (RPL) within the national vocational education and training (VET) system.

Schools

YourSAy Act Review 

The Education and Early Childhood Services (Registration and Standards) Act 2011 which governs the operations of the Education Standards Board (ESB) is undergoing an independent review. The review focuses on the regulation of schools and the governance of the ESB to ensure South Australia is operating under modern and contemporary legislation. The review will not consider early childhood services or changes to the National Law.

Tuition fees for CRICOS providers

Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) providers are reminded to review and update tuition and non-tuition fees.

Teachers Registration Board - Distinguished Teacher Service Award nominations open

Do you know a teacher with 20 or more years of experience who has played a vital role in shaping the futures of children and young people through their dedication, care and impact on learning outcomes?