We are responsible for regulating early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across NSW to ensure they meet stringent standards of safety, quality, and compliance.
We place the safety, wellbeing, rights and best interests of children at the very centre of every decision and action.
- Learn more about us.
- Read about recent child safety reforms.
- Find out how to contact us.
Key information
Parents and carers
Learn about what to look for in a quality service, child safety and how services are monitored, regulated and rated.
Services, providers and educators
Find out about regulation requirements, how to provide a quality service and how to gain approval to operate.
Stay up to date
Read the latest news and media releases from the NSW Early Learning Commission.
Action we take
The latest quarterly data showing compliance and enforcement actions, notifications and complaints submitted and quality ratings.
Enforcement actions taken against early childhood providers and educators, including prosecutions, cancellations and more.
We monitor services' and providers' compliance with legislation and approval conditions.
Services must display their compliance and quality history in their service by law, to provide greater transparency for families.
Making a complaint
Learn how to make a complaint or provide feedback about an early childhood education and care service.
How we work
Guiding principles and policies
The overarching principles and policies that guide the Early Learning Commission's work.
Directions and guidelines
The Minister and Commission issue directions and guidelines which approved providers, service leaders and staff must adhere to.
Regulatory Priority Programs
The Commission runs Regulatory Priority Programs (RPPs) to support services to uplift practice rapidly.
Information sharing under Chapter 16A
Our rights and responsibilities when sharing information under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act.
Investigation process
We conduct investigations of early childhood education and care services to ensure compliance with the national law and regulations.
Internal reviews
Decisions made by the Early Learning Commission can be challenged. Find out what decisions can be internally reviewed.
Notifications and reporting
Approved providers must notify the Early Learning Commission about incidents, complaints and changes to information. Learn about notification types and timeframes.
The National Quality Framework (NQF) provides a national approach to regulation, assessment and quality improvement. You can:
- learn about the framework
- find out about assessment and ratings
- read about authorised officers.
Stay connected
Contact the Early Learning Commission
General enquiries
Phone: 1800 619 113 (toll free)
Email: information@earlylearningcommission.nsw.gov.au
See our contact page for more information.
Media enquiries
Complaints and feedback
Find out how to provide feedback or make a complaint about an early childhood education and care service. You'll find information for:
- parents and carers
- services and providers
- educators and staff.