Child Safety and NQF Mandatory Reporting 2025: Understanding the 24-Hour Reporting Rule

At McArthur, we have been supporting early learning services for more than 35 years, combining staffing solutions with compliance guidance and sector expertise. As one of Australia’s most experienced recruitment partners in Early Childhood Education, we know that creating child safe environments requires more than meeting minimum standards. It requires foresight, preparation and a commitment to best practice. The upcoming changes to the National Quality Framework (NQF) reinforce this, placing mandatory reporting firmly at the centre of service governance.

Why the Reporting Timeframe Matters

From 1 September 2025, approved providers must notify their regulatory authority of any allegations or incidents of physical or sexual abuse within 24 hours. The previous timeframe of seven days will no longer apply.

This shorter timeframe reflects the principle that child safety cannot be delayed. It ensures services act decisively, not only protecting children but also reinforcing public trust in early learning. For leaders, this is an opportunity to strengthen internal systems and demonstrate a proactive child safe culture.

What Services Need to Do to Stay Compliant

To meet this new standard, services should:

• Update policies to reflect the 24-hour notification requirement.
• Ensure every educator is trained and confident in their reporting obligations.
• Maintain clear documentation of incidents and reporting actions.
• Establish escalation pathways so concerns are addressed immediately.

By addressing these areas now, centres will reduce compliance risks and show a genuine commitment to safeguarding children.

McArthur’s Approach to Reporting and Compliance

At McArthur, we see compliance as part of the bigger picture: building trust and supporting centres to thrive in a regulated environment. Our Child Safe Policy reflects a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and requires staff to escalate concerns immediately to supervisors, McArthur consultants and authorities.

Every educator and professional connected with McArthur complete induction that includes child protection and mandatory reporting responsibilities. We support services with the assurance that staff arriving through our recruitment process understand their obligations and can contribute positively to a child safe culture.

Importantly, McArthur consultants remain available to services and educators 24/7, providing guidance and support if concerns arise. This advisory role ensures services are never left uncertain about what steps to take when time is critical.

Building a Child Safe Culture Around Reporting

Meeting the 24-hour requirement is more than ticking a compliance box. It means fostering a culture where:

• Educators and support staff know how to recognise and act on concerns without hesitation.
• Leaders ensure policies translate into daily practice.
• Families trust that services act transparently and responsibly.

Through comprehensive screening, reference checks that probe an applicant’s understanding of child protection, and ongoing workforce support, McArthur helps centres create environments where compliance and safety work hand-in-hand.

Practical Advice for Early Learning Services

Drawing on our national experience, McArthur recommends:

1. Review your policies now. Update child protection and reporting procedures to reflect the 24-hour timeframe.
2. Invest in workforce knowledge. Ensure all staff understand the change and their role in compliance.
3. Clarify reporting pathways. Every staff member should know who to notify and how quickly escalation must occur.
4. Strengthen documentation. Use templates that meet NQF standards and ensure consistent reporting.
5. Engage with trusted sector partners. Working with McArthur provides ongoing advisory support and a workforce aligned with child safety and compliance priorities.

Further Reading and Guidance

The NQF Child Safe Culture Guide from ACECQA is an excellent resource for early learning services looking for a complete guide to strengthen their approach. It provides practical strategies on embedding child safety into governance, leadership and everyday practice, while engaging staff, families and communities in decision-making. Using this guide as part of your policy review process will help demonstrate a genuine commitment to child safety and readiness for assessment.

If your service wants to strengthen child safety practices and ensure your workforce is prepared for the new 24-hour reporting timeframe, connect with McArthur’s Early Childhood Education consultants today. We can support you with compliance advice, workforce strategies and long-term recruitment partnerships that ensure your centre is confident, compliant and child safe.