New child safe reforms - the introduction of Geccko: What does this mean for all in Early Childhood?
The early childhood education and care sector entered a new chapter on 27 February 2026, with two significant national reforms coming into effect. These reforms mark a decisive shift toward stronger child safety, greater workforce transparency and higher expectations for professional practice across all service types. For providers, leaders and educators, this moment represents a sector-wide commitment to safer, more accountable and better-supported early learning environments.
Mandatory National Child Safety Training now in effect, all individuals working or volunteering in an ECEC service must now complete the new national child safety training within a six-month transition period. This requirement applies to educators, leaders, students, volunteers, nominated supervisors and anyone with management or control of a service. The training is delivered through Geccko, the Australian Government’s online learning platform for the ECEC sector. As a legal requirement under the Education and Care Services National Law, the training is designed to strengthen the sector’s ability to recognise risk, respond appropriately and embed child-safe practices in everyday work. It establishes a consistent baseline of knowledge across the entire workforce, ensuring every adult understands their role in protecting children.The Role of Geccko in Supporting Compliance and QualityGeccko is now a central tool for both compliance and professional learning. It supports services to meet their obligations under the Family Assistance Law, including accurate fee management and reporting. It also houses a suite of training modules that strengthen quality, safety and regulatory understanding across the sector.The mandatory child safety module must be completed by all workers and volunteers within six months and refreshed every two years. This requirement applies to all roles, including persons with management or control, nominated supervisors, persons in day-to-day charge, educators, administrative staff, volunteers and students.Geccko also provides training across key operational and compliance areas, including Child Safety, Additional Child Care Subsidy, Compliance and Enforcement, Disasters and Emergencies, Enrolments and Fee Reporting.
Reflective Questions for Your Service:
How will you ensure the new child safety training becomes part of your ongoing professional learning cycle rather than a one-off compliance task?
How will you track completion and ensure new staff, students and volunteers meet this requirement before working with children?
How will you communicate these expectations clearly to all categories of workers, including casuals and volunteers?
Which Geccko modules align with current gaps or priorities in your Quality Improvement Plan?
How will you embed the two-year refresher cycle into your HR, induction and professional development systems?