A national benchmark
for safe, professional early learning photography.
The Childcare Photography Safety Framework sets minimum industry-wide standards for consent, data security, child safety, and professional conduct.
It ensures every photographer operating in Australian early-learning settings meets the highest standards of safety, transparency, and professionalism.
Our Mission
Protecting childhood through ethical photography
We exist to ensure every child photographed in early learning settings is safe, respected, and cared for by professionals who uphold verified, measurable standards.
Families and centres can have complete confidence in certified photographers who prioritise:
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Child safety
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Privacy protection
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Professional practice
Valuable Resources
To operate safely and professionally within Australian Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) settings, photographers must understand the key organisations, frameworks and legal structures that govern image-taking in childcare environments.
National Quality Framework
Australia’s national system for regulating early childhood education and care. It sets legal duties for services, including child safety, supervision and information handling.
National Law & National Regulations
The enforceable legislation under the NQF. These laws outline what centres must do to keep children safe — including supervision and privacy responsibilities when photography occurs.
ACECQA — Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority
The independent national authority. ACECQA guides and supports the NQF, promotes consistent practice, and publishes the National Model Code: Taking Images and Videos of Children in ECEC.
Regulatory Authorities
“The Education Department” in each state
These are the on-the-ground regulators who license and assess centres, investigate issues, and enforce the law.
Examples: VIC Department of Education, NSW Department of Education Early Childhood Directorate.
EYLF V2.0 - Early Years Learning Framework
The nationally approved learning framework for children from birth to school age.
Approved by all Australian Governments under the NQF and supported by ACECQA.
→ Official document (PDF)
National Model Code
Australia’s official standards for photography/videography in early childhood settings.
It is voluntary while governments consider legislative changes, but centres must demonstrate alignment for compliance and child-safety reasons.
→ Code (PDF)
→ Guidelines (PDF)
ECEC — Early Childhood Education and Care
A sector term that includes long day care (childcare centres), kindergarten/preschool, occasional care and some OSHC services.
ELPA - Early Learning Photographers Australia
A national benchmark for safe, professional childcare photography