Welcome to the second edition of the NQF e-bulletin, the department’s e-newsletter to support early childhood education and care services to implement the National Quality Framework.

Reporting suspected child harm or risk of harm

Ensuring the safety, health and wellbeing of children who attend education and care services is of paramount importance for the Department of Education, Training and Employment.

Approved providers, nominated supervisors and family day care educators are required under the Education and Care Services National Law (National Law) to ensure that every precaution is taken to protect children being educated and cared for by the service from harm and hazard that could cause injury (Section 167).

Approved providers must notify the regulatory authority of certain circumstances, including harm or suspected harm to a child, that occurs in the course of the provision of education and care (Section 174).

Approved providers must ensure 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 and any obligations they may have under that law (Regulation 84).

There is no legal requirement in Queensland for services or their staff to report suspected child abuse that occurs outside a service. However education and care service staff may report suspected child abuse.

Education and care staff in regular contact with children and their families are well placed to observe when children appear to be at risk of harm, and can play an important role in protecting the safety and wellbeing of those children.

Who you should call:

If you believe a child is in immediate danger or is in a life-threatening situation, contact the Queensland Police Service immediately by dialling 000.

If you suspect a child is experiencing harm or is at risk of experiencing harm contact the Child Safety Services Enquiries Unit, Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services, on 1800 811 810 or visit

Child safety service centres have professionally trained child protection staff who are skilled in dealing with information about harm or risk of harm to children. When you make a report to Child Safety Services or the Queensland Police Service your details are kept confidential and your identity is strictly protected.

For more information:

  • Information regarding the different types of child abuse and signs of child abuse and neglect is available at on the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services website.
  • Approved providers should refer to Queensland’s Child Protection Act 1999 which is the legal framework for child protection and is available at

Need more information?

  • Contact your local regional office for more information on the above requirements.

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