The department recognises that in the current environment it may be difficult for services to know how many children will be attending on a given day, and which staff members will be present.

However, the priority is always the health, safety and wellbeing of children in education and care. As such, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, adequate supervision requirements including ratios continue to apply. Services experiencing difficulties in meeting requirements due to COVID-19 should contact the department for advice.

The department is granting waivers for staff qualifications, and in exceptional circumstances, ratios. These are considered on a case-by-case basis and will be fast-tracked, subject to there being no increased risk to the safety of children or staff. Fees for waivers relating to COVID-19 will be waived or refunded.

Only services which clearly need a waiver because they do not have the staff capacity to meet ratios should apply for one.

Please contact the Information and Enquires team on 1800 619 113 for help with lodging a waiver application.