Mandatory child safety training update: New advanced course available

To strengthen safeguarding practices and support the safety and wellbeing of every child, everyone involved in providing education and care under the National Quality Framework (NQF) must now complete mandatory child safety training.

Course 5 of the Advanced Child Safety Training pack became available on Geccko from 30 September 2026. 

Who needs to complete Course 5?

Course 5 is for people in leadership, governance and management roles, including:

• persons with management or control of a service
• nominated supervisors
• persons in day-to-day charge.

When do I need to complete Course 5 by? 

If you have held a relevant role prior to 30 September 2026, you must complete advanced training by 31 March 2027.

If you start in a relevant role on or after 30 September 2026, you must complete the advanced courses relevant to your role within 3 months of your start date.

How do I access Course 5? 

The National Child Safety Training is delivered through Geccko, the Australian Government Department of Education’s official online learning platform. 

Participants must create their own Geccko accounts so that completions are tracked correctly. For support with Geccko, visit the Australian Government Department of Education’s website.

Child safety training and the worker register

Approved providers must record completion of child safety training in the worker register for all staff and volunteers at approved education and care services. 

Completion of foundation and advanced child safety training must be recorded separately in the qualifications and training section of the worker register. Advanced training should only be recorded after the worker has provided evidence of completion, such as a completion certificate. Records must be updated within 14 days of sighting the certificate.

Persons with Management or Control (PMCs) who do not perform any other role at a service are not included in the worker register. However, approved providers must maintain evidence and the date of training completion for PMCs in accordance with regulation 179AA. Where a PMC performs another role within the service, their training must be recorded in the worker register for that role.

Where can I go to find more information about my training requirements? 

Detailed information about training requirements, including who must complete the training, key deadlines and course content, can be found on the National child safety training webpage or ACECQA website.