The 10 Most-Asked ECEC Regulations (And How to Actually Meet Them)

Understanding regulations shouldn't be overwhelming, it should be empowering.

We analysed thousands of user queries from Edubuddy, our AI-powered mentoring platform and found the same 10 regulations keep educators up at night. This blog will not only help you understand them in plain language, but give you practical and confident steps to stay compliant.

Let’s simplify what the law says, what it means for you, and how to nail it every time.

1. Regulation 90 – Medical Conditions Policy

This regulation requires every service to have a comprehensive written policy for managing medical conditions, including asthma, anaphylaxis, and diabetes.

✅ To comply:

• Develop a Medical Conditions Policy that includes risk minimisation and communication plans.

• Ensure a current Medical Management Plan is on file for each diagnosed child—signed by a registered medical practitioner.

• Collaborate with families to develop a Risk Minimisation Plan.

• Make sure all staff (including casuals) are informed about the policy and specific children's needs.

  
  

💡 EduBuddy’s Medical Management tools guide you through this step-by-step.

2. Regulation 88 – Infectious Diseases

This regulation ensures services take clear action to prevent the spread of infectious illnesses.

✅ To comply:

• Implement and document effective hygiene procedures.

• Enforce recommended exclusion periods based on your state/territory's health advice.

• Notify all families promptly if there's an outbreak at your service.

• Train staff to identify symptoms and follow illness policies correctly.

  
  

💡 EduBuddy includes exclusion period references and notification templates to make this easy.

3. Regulation 91 – Medical Conditions Policy to be Provided to Parents

When a child with a diagnosed medical condition is enrolled, the service must give the family a copy of the Medical Conditions Policy.

✅ To comply:

• Provide the policy on or before enrolment of a child with a diagnosed medical condition.

• Maintain open, ongoing communication with families about health needs and any updates.

• Ensure policies are easily accessible via apps, communication books, or printed copies.

  
  

4. Regulation 87 – Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Record

This regulation mandates a record be kept whenever a child is injured, becomes ill, or experiences trauma while at the service.

✅ To comply:

• Complete the record as soon as practicable and within 24 hours.

• Include all required details: child’s name, age, incident date/time, what occurred, treatment given, and witness names.

• Notify the family on the same day and have them sign to acknowledge notification.

• Keep records confidential and stored until the child turns 25.

5. Regulation 92 – Medication Record

You must keep an accurate written record every time medication is administered at the service.

✅ To comply:

• Obtain written authorisation from a parent or authorised nominee.

• Record the child’s name, medication name, dosage, time given, and staff signature.

• Use a second staff member to witness and sign wherever possible.

• All medication must be in original packaging, with the child's name and prescription label if required.

  
  

6. Regulation 160 – Child Enrolment and Attendance Records

You must maintain accurate records of each child’s attendance.

✅ To comply:

• Use a system where a parent or authorised nominee signs the child in and out daily.

• Record the exact time of arrival and departure.

• Ensure an educator verifies attendance each day.

• Store records securely for at least 3 years.

7. Regulation 168 – Education and Care Service Policies and Procedures

This regulation requires services to have policies in 17 core areas including health, safety, interactions, governance, and complaints.

✅ To comply:

• Ensure your service has written policies and procedures that cover:

  
  

  • Health and Safety: Nutrition, sun safety, water safety, first aid, sleep and rest.

  • Emergencies and Incidents: Procedures for emergencies, evacuations, incidents, injuries, and illnesses.

  • Child Management: Delivery and collection of children, excursions, and interactions with children.

  • Staffing: A code of conduct and procedures for volunteers and students.

  • Administration: Enrolment, fee payment, and dealing with complaints.

    
    

• Review policies at least once a year.

• Ensure all staff and families have access to them.

• Provide training and support so staff can implement policies properly.

  
  

💡 EduBuddy can help you draft Policies and Procedures to give you a guided first step!

8. Regulation 73 – Educational Program

You must deliver a play-based educational program tailored to each child’s developmental needs and aligned with an approved framework (e.g., EYLF or MTOP).

✅ To comply:

• Base your curriculum on an approved learning framework.

• Plan based on each child’s interests, abilities, and culture.

• Document evidence of learning, show progress, and link to outcomes.

• Collaborate with families to enrich learning goals.

  
  

💡 EduBuddy's programming assistant and summative assessment tools make this fast, smart, and meaningful.

9. Regulation 103 – Premises, Furniture and Equipment to Be Safe, Clean and in Good Repair

This regulation ensures children’s environments are safe, hygienic, and well-maintained.

✅ To comply:

• Conduct and document regular safety checks indoors and outdoors.

• Ensure all resources are age-appropriate and hazard-free.

• Maintain a clear reporting and repair process.

• Keep the service clean and sanitised daily.

10. Regulation 101 – Conduct of Risk Assessment for Excursions

Before any excursion, a thorough written risk assessment must be conducted and approved.

✅ To comply:

• Identify potential risks (travel, supervision, venue, activities).

• Outline control measures (ratios, first aid, transport safety, mobile phone access).

• The assessment must be in writing and approved by the Nominated Supervisor.

• Obtain written authorisation from families, and make the risk assessment available upon request.

💡 EduBuddy’s Risk Assessment Tool can help you draft a starting point, great for employees new to risk assessment.

You Deserve to Feel in Control of Compliance

These 10 regulations are the backbone of a safe, high-quality early learning environment—but staying on top of them shouldn’t leave you drained.

EduBuddy was built to make compliance clear, fast, and supportive—so you can spend less time stressing over paperwork and more time doing what you love: connecting with children.

🔐 Want a smoother, smarter way to meet your regulatory requirements?

👉 Create your free Account on EduBuddy today and see why hundreds of educators say it’s their secret weapon for sanity.