The NSW Early Learning Commission as the independent regulator for early childhood education and care (ECEC) in NSW has 60 days to process a new provider application after receiving a complete and valid application. Please refer to the provider approval guide (PDF 206 KB) for information on how to prepare a valid application.
The Commission uses an objective, risk-based approach to assess applications. For more information on our policies, visit the guiding principles and policies page.
When assessing your application, the Commission will consider if you are a fit and proper person and can demonstrate the requisite level of knowledge and understanding of your responsibilities under the relevant legislation. They will also look at a range of factors and pieces of information to make an informed assessment. This can include:
- your compliance history with any current or previous legislation if you are an existing provider or held an approval under previous legislation
- any relevant service rating
- results from your National Criminal Records Check and Working with Children Check
- documents you have provided as part of your application
- any further information reasonably required to make an assessment.
Online knowledge assessment and/or interview
As part of the assessment process, you may be invited to complete an online knowledge assessment or attend an interview with a regulatory officer.
If invited, you must confirm attendance by the due date or risk having your application refused and closed. The sessions are usually held in the NSW Department of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø’s Parramatta office. However, the Commission will continue to offer flexible options, especially for small, remote and community-run services.
In the interview, you will discuss your understanding and compliance with the National Law, National Regulations or Supplementary Provisions as well as any of the information provided in your application.
In the online knowledge assessment, you must show you understand your responsibilities under the legislation. The assessment is open-book and consists of randomised multiple-choice questions. The assessment questions come directly from the National Law and Regulations. To prepare, we recommend you review these laws and regulations before the assessment.
Participants can access the and , the and via PDF on the online assessment platform. No other resources are allowed to be used during the assessment.
Application outcome
If your application is successful, you will be notified via email and provided with a copy of your provider approval certificate. You will now be able to apply for a service approval.
If your application is unsuccessful, you’ll receive an explanation of the decision. If you want to appeal the decision, you will be provided with information on how to do so.
Under the amended Children (ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and Care Services National Law Application) Act 2010, changes have been made to the ability to reapply for provider approval if an unsuccessful notification is received. As a result of these changes, a person who has received a notice that the Commission has refused to grant provider approval will not be able to reapply within 12 months after receiving the notice, unless the Commission has notified otherwise ( of the National Law).