Queensland will begin a nationally consistent child safety training programme for early childhood education and care staff tomorrow, with all workers and volunteers required to complete the training within six months. The initiative, developed with an $1.85 million investment from the Queensland Government, will be available across Australia through the federal Geccko learning platform.
The training is mandatory under the Education and Care Services National Law and applies to anyone working or volunteering in early childhood settings, whether they interact directly with children or not. It has been shaped by the expertise of early childhood professionals and the lived experiences of survivors of child abuse and neglect.
Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said the training was a crucial step for protecting children. “Safety in early childhood education and care settings is everyone’s business,” he said. “We want all early childhood workers to recognise grooming behaviours, maintain child-safe cultures, and have the confidence to report concerns. Queensland is proud to lead this national initiative.”
The training will be delivered in two stages. Foundation courses are available from 27 February 2026, and staff will have six months to complete them. Advanced courses will be released in July, with a further six months to complete. The curriculum covers child safety and wellbeing, children’s rights, signs of abuse and neglect, harmful sexual behaviours, professional boundaries, grooming, and protocols for raising concerns.
Professor Leah Bromfield, Director of the Australian Centre for Child Protection, praised the programme for establishing a consistent, high-quality approach across the sector. “Building a genuinely child safe culture is a shared responsibility,” she said. “Every board member, executive leader, educator, and carer plays a role in ensuring children are safe, respected, and heard. Accessible training is critical to achieving this nationally.”
Dr Sandra Cheeseman, Chief Executive Officer of C&K, welcomed the new training, highlighting its importance for educators. “Children’s safety is our highest priority,” she said. “This training equips staff to protect children and create environments where they can learn, grow, and thrive.”
The training is free and accessible online, designed to accommodate the diverse needs of the early childhood workforce. Penalties will apply for approved providers who fail to ensure staff and volunteers complete the courses.
Staff and volunteers required to complete the training include those with management or control of a service, nominated supervisors, persons in day-to-day charge, staff members including family day care educators, and volunteers or students.
The Queensland Government described the rollout as a major national initiative, aiming to embed a child safe culture across all early childhood education and care services.
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