Childcare Police Check | Early Learning & Care Staff

Safer hiring for childcare and early learning centres

When working with children, safety and trust must come first. Childcare providers, early learning centres, and family day care operators all have a responsibility to ensure every staff member is properly screened before entering the workplace.

Our background check solutions help Childcare Organisations make informed hiring decisions quickly — without compromising on compliance or care standards.

Why background checks are critical in childcare

Childcare staff work in close, unsupervised environments with young and vulnerable individuals. This makes thorough screening essential.

By conducting background checks, you can:

• Create a safer environment for children
• Reduce risk in hiring decisions
• Meet duty-of-care obligations
• Build trust with parents and guardians
• Protect your organisation’s reputation

While the official language is a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC), many employers and candidates are more familiar with the term police check, which provides valuable insight into a person’s background.

Working with children check vs police check

In the Childcare sector, most roles require a Working With Children Check (WWCC). However, it’s important to understand its limitations.

Working With Children Check (WWCC):
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• Provides a simple yes or no outcome
• Assesses eligibility to work with children
• Is conducted at a state level police check / Police Clearance
• Provides more detailed information
• Is a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check
• Discloses relevant criminal history
• Offers deeper insights for employers

In short, a WWCC confirms eligibility, while a police check or police clearance provides a broader view to support safer hiring decisions.

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Tailored for childcare providers

We understand the challenges faced by childcare operators:
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• Strict regulatory requirements
• High expectations from families
• Frequent hiring needs
• Casual and relief staff

Our platform is designed to deliver fast, compliant checks so you can onboard staff confidently and efficiently.

Why CrimCheck?

Fast

Secure

Affordable

Experienced

Caring

Customisable

Frequently asked questions

I have a criminal record, should I tell my Employer or Volunteer Organisation?

This depends on the role and your employer's requirements. Some positions require you to disclose certain criminal history, while others do not. If you're unsure, check the job requirements or speak directly with your employer. Being honest and upfront about your circumstances can help build trust with a prospective employer.

A criminal record does not automatically prevent someone from working or volunteering. Employers and organisations generally assess any disclosed information based on its relevance to the role and any applicable legal or regulatory requirements.

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How often should Childcare Workers obtain a police clearance?

There is currently no universal requirement, but many Childcare Providers request updated police checks periodically or when an employee moves into a new role with additional responsibilities.

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Why do Childcare Centres request a police check?

Childcare Centres have a duty of care to children, families, and staff. A police check helps employers make informed hiring decisions and supports a safer environment for everyone involved.

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What is the difference between a WWCC and a police clearance?

A WWCC assesses whether a person can legally work with children and typically provides a pass or fail outcome. A police clearance (or police check) can provide information about disclosable criminal history, giving employers a more comprehensive picture when assessing candidates.

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Do Childcare Workers need both a WWCC and a police check?

In many Childcare roles, a Working With Children Check (WWCC) is mandatory. However, many employers also require a police check as part of their recruitment process because it provides more detailed background information than a WWCC alone.

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All Frequently Asked Questions