This decision aims to assist the sector to address workforce challenges by continuing to provide flexibility for services and providers.

It also enables governments to fully consider any recommendations arising out of the National Workforce Strategy Action FA5-1: Review of National Quality Framework Staffing and Qualification Regulations.

The following workforce transitional provisions due to expire on 31 December 2024 will be extended to 31 December 2026:

• Regulation 239A - Regarding attendance of early childhood teachers at centre-based services in remote and very remote areas
• Regulation 242 – Qualification requirements for people to be ‘taken to be an early childhood teacher’

Regulation 242 does not apply if you are working in a centre-based service educating and caring for 30 or more children preschool age or under in NSW.

What does the extension mean for services and providers in NSW?

The extension of workforce transitional provisions aims to support the availability of qualified educators to maintain current quality safeguards for children’s education and care.

Work will now progress to update the National Regulations to reflect the extended provisions before the end of 2024.

More information

• National Workforce Strategy
• Shaping Our Future: A ten-year strategy to ensure a sustainable, high-quality children’s education and care workforce 2022–2031 (PDF 13.2 MB)