A new regulatory authority for early childhood education

Every child deserves to be safe where they learn, grow, and play.

On 1 January 2026, the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) commenced operations as a new independent early childhood regulator.

Our number one priority is clear: keeping children safe from harm.

Families should be able to trust that their children are safe in quality early childhood education and care services that are fit for purpose – no exceptions.

VECRA was created in response to the Victorian Government’s Rapid Child Safety Review, reflecting a clear community expectation that child safety must be our highest priority.

As the Regulatory Authority, we will work closely with the early childhood sector to improve quality and strengthen child-safety practices.

While VECRA will always work constructively with services to meet required standards, we will not hesitate to take firm regulatory action where children’s safety or wellbeing is put at risk.

What to expect from us

With VECRA transitioning from the Department of Education to become an independent authority, our ongoing regulatory function to oversee safety, quality and compliance across the early childhood education has never been more important.

In practice, this means that VECRA:

• operates as an independent statutory authority led by Interim Regulator Adam Fennessy PSM
• continues regulatory activity transferred from previous arrangements, with no disruption to operations
• uses existing and new powers under National Law and Victorian legislation to monitor compliance and respond to risk
• takes swift and appropriate action where a child’s safety or wellbeing is at risk.

Building a stronger regulator to keep children safe

As VECRA continues to grow through 2026, we will build our capability as a regulator in line with the Rapid Child Safety Review recommendations by:

• increasing the number of authorised officers to strengthen on-the-ground regulatory sector oversight
• undertaking more unannounced compliance visits
• embedding new regulatory powers as new legislative changes come into effect
• strengthening how information is shared between regulators, analysed and used to identify risks earlier
• publishing more compliance and enforcement action online.

Reporting concerns

Keeping children safe is a shared responsibility. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to report concerns to VECRA as soon as possible.

VECRA encourages families, educators, and community members to raise concerns about the safety, wellbeing or quality of early childhood services.

You can make a complaint about an early childhood service directly to VECRA by:

• completing our online complaint form – complaints can be made anonymously
• contacting your local VECRA office
• calling us on 1300 307 415, Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5 pm
• to access an interpreter, refer to the National Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National).

Reporting helps us to identify risks, respond quickly and take swift action to protect children from harm.

Please note whilst complaints can be made anonymously, sharing your name can help us make further enquiries.

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