New children’s safety requirements during transport commence 1 March 2023
From 1 March 2023 services will be required to meet new obligations when providing regular transport for children to and from a service.
New transportation requirements for centre-based services
The changes to the National Regulations come into effect from 1 March 2023.
Providers and services should plan to update their policy, procedure and practice to ensure they are compliant when the new laws are implemented.
Children must be supervised when embarking or disembarking a vehicle
A nominated supervisor or staff member other than the driver must account for children as they get in or out of a vehicle at an education and care service.
Keep records that confirm each child is accounted for
The approved provider and nominated supervisor must ensure that records are kept for regular transportation that confirm each child was accounted for when embarking and disembarking the vehicle at the service premises.
Records must show:
- each child was observed to embark and disembark the vehicle
- how children were accounted for at the service premises.
Records must confirm that a check of the vehicle is made to ensure no children are left on the vehicle
Approved providers and nominated supervisors must ensure that records are made confirming a check of the inside of the vehicle was completed at the service after all children have left to ensure no children remain.
A sample safe transportation of children safety checklist and regular transportation record form provided by ACECQA can guide services in meeting these requirements.
Notify the regulatory authority of changes to transportation
The approved provider must notify the regulatory authority within seven days of any change to whether regular transportation is provided or arranged by the service.
Please check service details on NQAITS to ensure it accurately reflects transport provided at each service.
References
Education and Care Services National Amendment Regulations 2022
Information sheet - Changes to regular transportation of children
Information sheet - Minimising the risk of children left in vehicles
Information sheet - Guidance for adequate supervision during transportation
Safe transportation of children safety checklist and regular transportation record form