Guiding principles and policies
The NSW Early Learning Commission, as the independent regulator for early childhood education and care (ECEC) in NSW, has overarching principles for implementing its functions under the National Law and Regulations. We also use a number of regulatory policies to support consistent decision making. Read our guiding principles and policies below.
The NSW Early Learning Commission was established on 1 December 2025. Policies are being progressively updated to reflect the Commission's formation and the NSW regulatory reforms.
Guiding Principles
Policies
- Approach to Significant Improvement Required (PDF 219 KB)
- Complaint Handling Policy (PDF 239 KB)
- Conditions on Approvals and Waivers Policy (PDF 295 KB)
- Engaging with Families Following Serious Incidents (PDF 195 KB)
- Fees and Charges Policy (PDF 200 KB)
- Information Sharing with External Agencies Policy (PDF 215 KB)
- Monitoring and Enforcement of Compliance Policy (PDF 332 KB)
- Provider Approval Policy (PDF 361 KB)
- Approach to Service Visits Policy (PDF 240 KB)
- Review of Decisions Policy (PDF 265 KB)
- Service Approvals Policy (PDF 453 KB)
- Service Transfers Policy (PDF 207 KB)
- Waiver Policy (PDF 298 KB)
- Working Towards National Quality Standard Policy (PDF 229 KB)