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    QA2 Supervision Self-Audit Checklist for Australian Childcare Centres

    NQS Element 2.2.1 requires that at all times, reasonable precautions and adequate supervision ensure children are protected from harm and hazard. This free 34-point self-audit helps directors review ratios, active supervision, premises, arrivals, excursions, incident review and CCTV practice against Quality Area 2, National Law s165 and s167. Answer honestly, add notes, then print or save your priority gaps for your quality improvement plan.

    This checklist is a self-audit to support your quality improvement planning. It is general guidance only, not an assessment and rating outcome or legal advice. Check current requirements with your state or territory regulatory authority.

    Your answers stay on your device unless you choose to email yourself the report.

    Shown in your printed summary only. It does not change your score.

    1.1Educator-to-child ratios are met across the whole service at all times, including openings, closings, transitions and breaks.
    Reg 123Real-time risk
    1.2Only educators working directly with children (physically present and engaged) are counted in ratios.
    Reg 122
    1.3There is a documented break and relief plan so ratios are maintained when educators take breaks.
    Reg 123
    1.4Ratios are checked by someone at set times (for example start of day, after transitions, late afternoon).
    Reg 123Real-time risk
    1.5Staffing plans account for absences, with a clear process for last-minute cover.
    Reg 123

    What adequate supervision means

    Adequate supervision means educators can see and hear the children in their care and respond immediately when a child is distressed, at risk or in a hazardous situation. It is judged by what is happening in the room and the yard, not by the roster.

    Meeting ratios on their own does not achieve supervision. A service can be within ratio and still leave a sleep room, bathroom or corner of the yard unwatched.

    Supervision duties follow the children: they apply across the premises, on excursions and during transport. Use our educator-to-child ratio calculator to confirm your staffing numbers, and the childcare safety guide for practical zone and blind spot planning.

    Frequently asked questions

    Quality Area 2 of the National Quality Standard covers children's health and safety. It includes Standard 2.2 Safety, where Element 2.2.1 requires that at all times, reasonable precautions and adequate supervision ensure children are protected from harm and hazard.

    Section 165 of the National Law makes it an offence to inadequately supervise children. Adequate supervision means educators can see, hear and respond immediately to every child in their care, taking into account the number and ages of children, the activity and the physical environment.

    No. Meeting educator to child ratios is a minimum staffing requirement. A service can meet its ratio and still breach supervision duties if a zone is unwatched, a blind spot is unmanaged or an educator cannot respond immediately.

    No. CCTV is a support, not a substitute. Passive recording only helps with later review. Systems that actively alert educators can support timely responses, but active supervision by people remains the legal requirement.

    Review supervision plans whenever your environment, enrolment mix or routines change, after any supervision incident or near miss, and as part of your regular quality improvement cycle. Many services run a formal review each term and a quick check each month.

    Next step

    Assess supervision riskRead the adequate supervision guide

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