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The Education and Care Services National Regulations (National Regulations) support the National Law by providing detail on a range of operational requirements for an education and care service including:

the National Quality Standard (schedule 1)

application processes for provider and service approval

setting out the rating scale

the process for the rating and assessment of services against the National Quality Standard

minimum requirements relating to the operation of education and care services organised around each of the seven quality areas

staffing arrangements and qualifications

fees for a range of transactions.

jurisdiction-specific provisions

To purchase a hard copy of the regulations from The Information Management Group (TIMG):

You can contact TIMG directly at NSWLegislation@timg.com or via 02 9210 5920

Download the Western Australian Education and Care Services National Regulations.

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The Education and Care Services National Regulations (National Regulations) support the National Law by providing detail on a range of operational requirements for an education and care service including: the National Quality Standard (schedule 1) application processes for provider and service approval setting out the rating scale the process for the rating and assessment of services against the National Quality Standard minimum requirements relating to the operation of education and care services organised around each of the seven quality areas staffing arrangements and qualifications fees for a range of transactions.

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Education and Care Services National Law (WA) Act 2012

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Home | DisclaimerView our disclaimer | FAQView our most frequently asked questions | InformationGeneral Information about the website | GuidesLegislation Guides | About PCOInformation for Departments and Agencies | Buy print copyOrder a printed copy of WA legislation | Other JurisdictionsLinks to other legislation websites

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On this page you will find guidance on:

Approved provider reporting requirements about children in education and care services

Under the National Law and Regulations, the approved provider must notify the regulatory authority of any:

serious incidents

complaints

circumstances at the service which pose a risk to the health, safety or wellbeing of children

any incident or allegation that physical or sexual abuse of a child or children has occurred or is occurring while the child or children are being educated and cared for by the service.

Related requirements to have and to follow policies and procedures, and keep related records continue.

There are also other reporting requirements under different state and territory laws, e.g. child protection laws.

Serious incidents

You must notify the regulatory authority within 24 hours of becoming aware of a serious incident (Section 174(2)(a) and Regulation 176(2)(a).

A serious incident (regulation 12) is defined as any of the following:

the death of a child while being educated and cared for by the service or following an incident while being educated and cared for by the service

any incident involving a serious injury or trauma to a child while that child is being educated and cared for, which:

a reasonable person would consider required urgent medical attention from a registered medical practitioner; or

the child attended or ought reasonably to have attended a hospital e.g. broken limb*

any incident involving serious illness of a child while that child is being educated and cared for by a service for which the child attended, or ought reasonably to have attended, a hospital e.g. severe asthma attack, seizure or anaphylaxis*
NOTE: In some cases (for example rural and remote locations) a General Practitioner conducts consultations from the hospital site. Only treatment related to serious injury, illness or trauma is required to be notified, not other health matters.

any emergency for which emergency services attended
NOTE: This means an incident, situation or event where there is an imminent or severe risk to the health, safety or wellbeing of a person at an education and care service. It does not mean an incident where emergency services attended as a precaution.

a child appears to be missing or cannot be accounted for at the service

a child appears to have been taken or removed from the service in a manner that contravenes the National Regulations

a child is mistakenly locked in or locked out of the service premises or any part of the premises.

Notify the regulatory authority of serious incidents online through the NQA IT System. You can download the incident, injury, trauma and illness record template to record any supporting evidence or other (non-serious) incidents.

Complaints

You must notify the regulatory authority within 24 hours of any complaint alleging that a serious incident has occurred while the child is educated and cared for or complaints alleging that the Law has been contravened (Section 174(2)(b)).

Under the National Regulations, policies and procedures must be in place for dealing with complaints. The name and telephone number of the person to whom complaints can be made must be clearly visible at the service (Regulation 168(2)(o) and Regulation 173(2)(b)).

Download an information sheet on using complaints and grievances to support continuous improvement.

Any circumstances that pose a risk to the health, safety or wellbeing of a child

You must notify the regulatory authority within 7 days of becoming aware of a circumstance arising at the service that poses a risk to the health, safety or wellbeing of a child (Regulation 175(2)(c), Regulation 176(2)(c)).

Prescribed matters - physical and/or sexual abuse of a child

As an approved provider you must notify the regulatory authority of certain matters occurring while a child or children are being educated and cared for by the service.

From 1 October 2017 this must include:

any incident where you reasonably believe that physical and/or sexual abuse of a child has occurred or is occurring at the service

any allegation that sexual or physical abuse of a child has occurred or is occurring at the service.

Sexualised behaviour involving children

Providers and educators play an important role in making informed professional judgements regarding sexualised behaviour involving children. Not all sexual behaviour involving children poses a risk to their safety. It may be age-appropriate and expected sexualised behaviour.

Informed judgements regarding sexualised behaviour help to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of children by:

supporting healthy sexual development (age-appropriate sexualised behaviour)

protecting them from harm or abuse (inappropriate or problem sexualised behaviour).

Note that in some cases, sexualised behaviour involving children may fall within reporting requirements under other laws.

Resources on identifying and responding to sexualised behaviour in children

State and territory governments have created a range of resources that may assist providers and educators to identify and respond to sexualised behaviour in children.

Monitor and manage sexualised behaviour

Educators and providers may find it helpful to use resources like the Traffic Lights Framework (TLF) to monitor and manage sexualised behaviours in children.

The TLF was developed by True and can also be accessed as a Traffic Lights App which describes healthy sexual behaviours (green), concerning behaviours (orange) and harmful behaviours (red) for children 0-17. It also explains possible reasons for specific behaviours, suggested responses and provides case studies.

Visit the True website for more information about these resources.
Please note that while these resources may be helpful for educators and providers, they are not officially endorsed by or associated with ACECQA.
Reporting requirements under other laws - child protection

Approved providers, educators and other education and care service staff may be required to report on incidents or suspected incidents involving children under other state and territory laws including child protection legislation.
Contact details for each state and territory are listed here.
Child protection awareness and training obligations

The approved provider must ensure that each nominated supervisor and person in day-to-day charge of the service has successfully completed the child protection training (if any) required in their jurisdiction. Child protection training may be required under a state or territory law, a government protocol or under another instrument such as a state government memorandum of understanding.

Under the National Law and Regulations the approved provider must also ensure the nominated supervisors and staff members at the service who work with children are advised of the existence and application of the current child protection law in the relevant jurisdiction and understand their obligations under that law.

Staff records must also continue to include staff clearances for working with children checks or teacher registrations.

The approved provider must ensure policies and procedures are in place in relation to providing a child safe environment (regulation 168).

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Aditional guidance on reporting requirements for education and care services.

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The National Quality Framework (NQF) operates under an applied law system, comprising the Education and Care Services National Law and the Education and Care Services National Regulations.

The purpose of the applied law system is to set a national standard for children's education and care across Australia. In effect it means the same law is applied in each state and territory, but with some varied provisions as applicable to the needs of each state or territory.

In this case Victoria passed the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 and other jurisdictions adopted that law through an Application Act or passed corresponding legislation.

View the legislation that applies in each state or territory, and if applicable, the corresponding Application Act below:

Information about how the NQF applies in your state or territory is available from your regulatory authority.

Purchase the National Law

To purchase the National Law (in all states and territories, except WA) call LitSupport (TIMG) 03 8621 6767 or visit www.legislation.vic.gov.au

1. Search for 'Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010'

2. Select the Act and then make sure the most recent version of the Act is selected in the 'Version history' box

3. Under 'Authorised version', select 'Buy printed copy of Act' to open the LitSupport website.

Purchase the National Law (WA residents).

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The National law sets a national standard for children's education and care across Australia.

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Education and Care Services National Law (WA) Act 2012

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Home | DisclaimerView our disclaimer | FAQView our most frequently asked questions | InformationGeneral Information about the website | GuidesLegislation Guides | About PCOInformation for Departments and Agencies | Buy print copyOrder a printed copy of WA legislation | Other JurisdictionsLinks to other legislation websites

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View - Queensland Legislation - Queensland Government

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What you need to know to open an education and care service in Australia.

I want to learn about:

Prior to applying to become an approved Provider it is recommended you complete the National Law & Child Care Subsidy Approval Course. This course provides important information about becoming an approved Provider and your responsibilities under the National Law and Family Assistance Law. These five eLearning modules unpack how to submit your application, your responsibilities as an approved Provider and an overview of the approvals process.

For new approved provider applicants, you will need to complete 4 out of 5 modules in the National Law & Child Care Subsidy Approval Course on the ACECQA LMS to receive a completion certificate. This certificate can be submitted with your application as additional evidence. If you would like to preview the course before registering in the LMS, you can access the modules from the links below.

Applying to become an Approved Provider and opening (or adding) a service

Provider and Service approval from your state or territory government (National Law).

This approval deems you suitable to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of children. To be approved, you need to demonstrate your understanding of your obligations under the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations.

Understanding how the following rules apply in your state or territory is also important to planning a new business:

local government planning controls

working with children or vulnerable person checks and child protection laws

health department rules

food safety requirements.

Provider and Service approval from the Australian Government (Family Assistance Law).

This approval deems you suitable to administer Child Care Subsidy under the Family Assistance Law. If you are applying for the Child Care Subsidy approval, you will also need to demonstrate your understanding of your obligations under the Family Assistance Law. Most children education and care providers must be approved under the National Law to be eligible to administer the Child Care Subsidy. Click here for more information www.education.gov.au/early-childhood

For information and resources on business planning and the steps for setting up a new business, visit  www.business.gov.au.

The National Quality Framework

The National Quality Framework is a national system which aims to raise quality and drive continuous improvement and consistency in children's education and care services through:

National Law approval

Your state or territory regulatory authority will assess your application for National Law approval.

You will need to apply for:

Provider approval - to become an approved provider. Provider approval is recognised nationally and allows you to apply for service approval/s.

Service approval - to operate an education and care service. Service approvals relate to the individual site/premises and the type of care provided. Click here to read more about types of care education and care service types

Click here to find the contact details for your state or territory regulatory authority. Contact your regulatory authority | ACECQA

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approval

The Australian Government will assess your application to administer Child Care Subsidy payments. This is known as Child Care Subsidy approval under the Family Assistance Law.

The Family Assistance Law sets out the rules you must follow if your service is approved to administer the Child Care Subsidy. These obligations are outlined in the Child Care Provider Handbook.

Visit the Early Childhood - Department of Education, Australian Government to find out more about the Child Care Subsidy and the Family Assistance Law.

The application process

From July 2023, National Law and Child Care Subsidy approval applications will be submitted through the National Quality Agenda IT System (NQA IT System). You can apply for National Law and the Child Care Subsidy at the same time following the steps below.

1. Register with PRODA

A PRODA (Provider Digital Access) may be required for National Law provider and/or service approval applications, as well as applications to administer the Child Care Subsidy under the Family Assistance Law.

PRODA (Provider Digital Access) is an online identity verification and authentication system. It allows organisations to securely access government online services for which they are the providers. Child Care Subsidy approved providers need to access the Child Care Subsidy System and to do this must be verified in the PRODA system.

You will need to create an organisation account and individual accounts for certain people in your organisation before starting your application. Preparing your documentation can take time so it is recommended you start the process as soon as possible.

Services Australia has instructions on how to register in PRODA.

2. Identifying Persons with Management or Control (PMC)

From July 2023, the National Law definition of a PMC will be similar to the definition used by the Australian Government for a PMC of a provider entity for administering the Child Care Subsidy under the Family Assistance Law.

In some cases, a provider's PMC will be the same individuals for the National Law and for Child Care Subsidy purposes. However, in some circumstances, a person may be a PMC in relation to the Child Care Subsidy, but not a PMC under the National Law.

A PMC has legal responsibilities under the National Law and Regulations, and the Family Assistance Law for Child Care Subsidy purposes.

For more information read the following information sheets

A new Declaration of fitness and propriety form (PA02), is available for National Law and/or Family Assistance Law to administer the Child Care Subsidy and/or the Additional Child Care Subsidy applications.

3. Submit your application in the NQA IT System

Provider and Service applications for National Law and Family Assistance Law to administer the Child Care Subsidy are submitted through the NQA IT System.

By accessing this link https://public.nqaits.acecqa.gov.au/Pages/Landing.aspx you can login to the NQA IT System or register for an account.

If you experience technical issues email nqaits@acecqa.gov.au.

If you'd like to find out more about the application process or about the progress of an application already submitted contact your regulatory authority.

Next steps

Knowledge assessment and/or interview

Before making a determination on your application you may be asked to complete an online multiple-choice knowledge assessment and/or interview determining your understanding of the requirements under the National Law and Family Assistance Law.

The 75-minute National Law assessment consists of 46 multiple choice questions.

The 110-minute Family Assistance Law assessment consists of 25 multiple choice questions.

To prepare for a knowledge assessment, you can complete the National Law & Child Care Subsidy Approval Course designed to help you understand your responsibilities as an approved provider.

You will need to complete 80% of the course to download a completion certificate. This certificate can be submitted with your application as additional evidence. If you would like to preview the course before registering in the LMS, you can access the modules from the links below.

National Law application assessment timeframes

The regulatory authority must:

make a decision within 60 calendar days of receiving a complete provider approval application, and 90 calendar days for a service approval application

give the applicant written notice of its decision and the supporting reasons, within seven (7) calendar days of making the decision.

Child Care Subsidy application assessment timeframes

Approval for the Child Care Subsidy can only be determined after an approval under the National Law and after the Australian Government has assessed your application.

An estimated assessment timeframe cannot be given, however ensuring all mandatory information documentation is submitted with your application will assist in this process.

Watch this 2-minute video for information about the National Law and Family Assistance Law (to administer the Child Care Subsidy) application process.

Who to contact

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This section contains information on the initial action steps for those considering opening their own childcare service.

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Education and Care Services National Law (ACT) Act 2011 | Acts

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Regulations made under the National Law must be published on the NSW Legislation website (see the Law, s 302). The Ministerial Council has made the Education and Care Services National Regulations. An explanatory statement for the regulations is available.

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What you need to know to open an education and care service in Australia.

I want to learn about:

Prior to applying to become an approved Provider it is recommended you complete the National Law & Child Care Subsidy Approval Course. This course provides important information about becoming an approved Provider and your responsibilities under the National Law and Family Assistance Law. These five eLearning modules unpack how to submit your application, your responsibilities as an approved Provider and an overview of the approvals process.

For new approved provider applicants, you will need to complete 4 out of 5 modules in the National Law & Child Care Subsidy Approval Course on the ACECQA LMS to receive a completion certificate. This certificate can be submitted with your application as additional evidence. If you would like to preview the course before registering in the LMS, you can access the modules from the links below.

Applying to become an Approved Provider and opening (or adding) a service

Provider and Service approval from your state or territory government (National Law).

This approval deems you suitable to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of children. To be approved, you need to demonstrate your understanding of your obligations under the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations.

Understanding how the following rules apply in your state or territory is also important to planning a new business:

local government planning controls

working with children or vulnerable person checks and child protection laws

health department rules

food safety requirements.

Provider and Service approval from the Australian Government (Family Assistance Law).

This approval deems you suitable to administer Child Care Subsidy under the Family Assistance Law. If you are applying for the Child Care Subsidy approval, you will also need to demonstrate your understanding of your obligations under the Family Assistance Law. Most children education and care providers must be approved under the National Law to be eligible to administer the Child Care Subsidy. Click here for more information www.education.gov.au/early-childhood

For information and resources on business planning and the steps for setting up a new business, visit  www.business.gov.au.

The National Quality Framework

The National Quality Framework is a national system which aims to raise quality and drive continuous improvement and consistency in children's education and care services through:

National Law approval

Your state or territory regulatory authority will assess your application for National Law approval.

You will need to apply for:

Provider approval - to become an approved provider. Provider approval is recognised nationally and allows you to apply for service approval/s.

Service approval - to operate an education and care service. Service approvals relate to the individual site/premises and the type of care provided. Click here to read more about types of care education and care service types

Click here to find the contact details for your state or territory regulatory authority. Contact your regulatory authority | ACECQA

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approval

The Australian Government will assess your application to administer Child Care Subsidy payments. This is known as Child Care Subsidy approval under the Family Assistance Law.

The Family Assistance Law sets out the rules you must follow if your service is approved to administer the Child Care Subsidy. These obligations are outlined in the Child Care Provider Handbook.

Visit the Early Childhood - Department of Education, Australian Government to find out more about the Child Care Subsidy and the Family Assistance Law.

The application process

From July 2023, National Law and Child Care Subsidy approval applications will be submitted through the National Quality Agenda IT System (NQA IT System). You can apply for National Law and the Child Care Subsidy at the same time following the steps below.

1. Register with PRODA

A PRODA (Provider Digital Access) may be required for National Law provider and/or service approval applications, as well as applications to administer the Child Care Subsidy under the Family Assistance Law.

PRODA (Provider Digital Access) is an online identity verification and authentication system. It allows organisations to securely access government online services for which they are the providers. Child Care Subsidy approved providers need to access the Child Care Subsidy System and to do this must be verified in the PRODA system.

You will need to create an organisation account and individual accounts for certain people in your organisation before starting your application. Preparing your documentation can take time so it is recommended you start the process as soon as possible.

Services Australia has instructions on how to register in PRODA.

2. Identifying Persons with Management or Control (PMC)

From July 2023, the National Law definition of a PMC will be similar to the definition used by the Australian Government for a PMC of a provider entity for administering the Child Care Subsidy under the Family Assistance Law.

In some cases, a provider's PMC will be the same individuals for the National Law and for Child Care Subsidy purposes. However, in some circumstances, a person may be a PMC in relation to the Child Care Subsidy, but not a PMC under the National Law.

A PMC has legal responsibilities under the National Law and Regulations, and the Family Assistance Law for Child Care Subsidy purposes.

For more information read the following information sheets

A new Declaration of fitness and propriety form (PA02), is available for National Law and/or Family Assistance Law to administer the Child Care Subsidy and/or the Additional Child Care Subsidy applications.

3. Submit your application in the NQA IT System

Provider and Service applications for National Law and Family Assistance Law to administer the Child Care Subsidy are submitted through the NQA IT System.

By accessing this link https://public.nqaits.acecqa.gov.au/Pages/Landing.aspx you can login to the NQA IT System or register for an account.

If you experience technical issues email nqaits@acecqa.gov.au.

If you'd like to find out more about the application process or about the progress of an application already submitted contact your regulatory authority.

Next steps

Knowledge assessment and/or interview

Before making a determination on your application you may be asked to complete an online multiple-choice knowledge assessment and/or interview determining your understanding of the requirements under the National Law and Family Assistance Law.

The 75-minute National Law assessment consists of 46 multiple choice questions.

The 110-minute Family Assistance Law assessment consists of 25 multiple choice questions.

To prepare for a knowledge assessment, you can complete the National Law & Child Care Subsidy Approval Course designed to help you understand your responsibilities as an approved provider.

You will need to complete 80% of the course to download a completion certificate. This certificate can be submitted with your application as additional evidence. If you would like to preview the course before registering in the LMS, you can access the modules from the links below.

National Law application assessment timeframes

The regulatory authority must:

make a decision within 60 calendar days of receiving a complete provider approval application, and 90 calendar days for a service approval application

give the applicant written notice of its decision and the supporting reasons, within seven (7) calendar days of making the decision.

Child Care Subsidy application assessment timeframes

Approval for the Child Care Subsidy can only be determined after an approval under the National Law and after the Australian Government has assessed your application.

An estimated assessment timeframe cannot be given, however ensuring all mandatory information documentation is submitted with your application will assist in this process.

Watch this 2-minute video for information about the National Law and Family Assistance Law (to administer the Child Care Subsidy) application process.

Who to contact

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This section contains information on the initial action steps for those considering opening their own childcare service.

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What you need to know to open an education and care service in Australia.

I want to learn about:

Prior to applying to become an approved Provider it is recommended you complete the National Law & Child Care Subsidy Approval Course. This course provides important information about becoming an approved Provider and your responsibilities under the National Law and Family Assistance Law. These five eLearning modules unpack how to submit your application, your responsibilities as an approved Provider and an overview of the approvals process.

For new approved provider applicants, you will need to complete 4 out of 5 modules in the National Law & Child Care Subsidy Approval Course on the ACECQA LMS to receive a completion certificate. This certificate can be submitted with your application as additional evidence. If you would like to preview the course before registering in the LMS, you can access the modules from the links below.

Applying to become an Approved Provider and opening (or adding) a service

Provider and Service approval from your state or territory government (National Law).

This approval deems you suitable to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of children. To be approved, you need to demonstrate your understanding of your obligations under the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations.

Understanding how the following rules apply in your state or territory is also important to planning a new business:

local government planning controls

working with children or vulnerable person checks and child protection laws

health department rules

food safety requirements.

Provider and Service approval from the Australian Government (Family Assistance Law).

This approval deems you suitable to administer Child Care Subsidy under the Family Assistance Law. If you are applying for the Child Care Subsidy approval, you will also need to demonstrate your understanding of your obligations under the Family Assistance Law. Most children education and care providers must be approved under the National Law to be eligible to administer the Child Care Subsidy. Click here for more information www.education.gov.au/early-childhood

For information and resources on business planning and the steps for setting up a new business, visit  www.business.gov.au.

The National Quality Framework

The National Quality Framework is a national system which aims to raise quality and drive continuous improvement and consistency in children's education and care services through:

National Law approval

Your state or territory regulatory authority will assess your application for National Law approval.

You will need to apply for:

Provider approval - to become an approved provider. Provider approval is recognised nationally and allows you to apply for service approval/s.

Service approval - to operate an education and care service. Service approvals relate to the individual site/premises and the type of care provided. Click here to read more about types of care education and care service types

Click here to find the contact details for your state or territory regulatory authority. Contact your regulatory authority | ACECQA

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approval

The Australian Government will assess your application to administer Child Care Subsidy payments. This is known as Child Care Subsidy approval under the Family Assistance Law.

The Family Assistance Law sets out the rules you must follow if your service is approved to administer the Child Care Subsidy. These obligations are outlined in the Child Care Provider Handbook.

Visit the Early Childhood - Department of Education, Australian Government to find out more about the Child Care Subsidy and the Family Assistance Law.

The application process

National Law and Child Care Subsidy approval applications are submitted through the National Quality Agenda IT System (NQA IT System). You can apply for National Law and the Child Care Subsidy at the same time following the steps below.

1. Create a PRODA account and obtain an individual Registration Authority number

PRODA (Provider Digital Access) is an online identity verification system that strengthens the security of personal information for new Persons with Management or Control (PMC).

New PMCs will need to create a PRODA account and obtain an individual Registration Authority (RA) number if they are submitting a National Law provider approval application or an application to administer the Child Care Subsidy under the Family Assistance Law. The RA number is unique to your PRODA account.

When completing your application in the NQA ITS you will be asked to verify your identity by entering your RA number.

Prospective providers seeking approval to administer the Child Care Subsidy (under the Family Assistance Law) will also need to register their organisation in PRODA and add the NQA ITS and the Child Care Subsidy System as service providers before starting an application.

Access instructions on how to create a PRODA account to obtain an individual RA number or register an organisation, including the identity documents you will need to commence this process.

Please refer to the Frequently asked questions | ACECQA for more information about creating a PRODA account, RA numbers and the benefits of using PRODA to verify your identity.

2. Identifying Persons with Management or Control (PMC)

From July 2023, the National Law definition of a PMC will be similar to the definition used by the Australian Government for a PMC of a provider entity for administering the Child Care Subsidy under the Family Assistance Law.

In some cases, a provider's PMC will be the same individuals for the National Law and for Child Care Subsidy purposes. However, in some circumstances, a person may be a PMC in relation to the Child Care Subsidy, but not a PMC under the National Law.

A PMC has legal responsibilities under the National Law and Regulations, and the Family Assistance Law for Child Care Subsidy purposes.

For more information read the following information sheets

A new Declaration of fitness and propriety form (PA02), is available for National Law and/or Family Assistance Law to administer the Child Care Subsidy and/or the Additional Child Care Subsidy applications.

3. Submit your application in the NQA IT System

Provider and Service applications for National Law and Family Assistance Law to administer the Child Care Subsidy are submitted through the NQA IT System.

By accessing this link https://public.nqaits.acecqa.gov.au/Pages/Landing.aspx you can login to the NQA IT System or register for an account.

If you experience technical issues email [email protected] .

If you'd like to find out more about the application process or about the progress of an application already submitted contact your regulatory authority.

Next steps

Knowledge assessment and/or interview

Before making a determination on your application you may be asked to complete an online multiple-choice knowledge assessment and/or interview determining your understanding of the requirements under the National Law and Family Assistance Law.

The 75-minute National Law assessment consists of 46 multiple choice questions.

The 110-minute Family Assistance Law assessment consists of 25 multiple choice questions.

To prepare for a knowledge assessment, you can complete the National Law & Child Care Subsidy Approval Course designed to help you understand your responsibilities as an approved provider.

You will need to complete 80% of the course to download a completion certificate. This certificate can be submitted with your application as additional evidence. If you would like to preview the course before registering in the LMS, you can access the modules from the links below.

National Law application assessment timeframes

The regulatory authority must:

make a decision within 60 calendar days of receiving a complete provider approval application, and 90 calendar days for a service approval application

give the applicant written notice of its decision and the supporting reasons, within seven (7) calendar days of making the decision.

Child Care Subsidy application assessment timeframes

Approval for the Child Care Subsidy can only be determined after an approval under the National Law and after the Australian Government has assessed your application.

An estimated assessment timeframe cannot be given, however ensuring all mandatory information documentation is submitted with your application will assist in this process.

Watch this 2-minute video for information about the National Law and Family Assistance Law (to administer the Child Care Subsidy) application process.

Who to contact

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This section contains information on the initial action steps for those considering opening their own childcare service.