National Model Code

The National Model Code is a voluntary guideline developed for centre-based early childhood education and care (ECEC) services under the National Quality Framework (NQF) focusing on responsible use of electronic devices in ECEC settings (e.g., taking / storing images and videos of children), to support child safety, protect children’s rights (especially around privacy), and minimise risk in digital/online environments.

It complements the broader child-safe frameworks (such as the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations) rather than replacing them.

Why it’s important

The digital age brings new risks around images, videos, sharing, storage, privacy and consent of children — the Code helps services think those through.
It aligns with Principle 8 of the National Principles that physical and online environments must promote safety and wellbeing, and minimise opportunities for children to be harmed.
Using the Code shows a service is proactive (not just reactive) about safeguarding in the digital era.
Adopting the Model Code offers another layer of best practice.

We have aligned our policies and practices to the National Model Code  and  Guidelines, developed by ACECQA and all Governments, to promote a child safe culture when it comes to taking, sharing and storing images or videos of children.

National Model Code for the Use of Images and Devices

At Sesame Lane, children’s safety, dignity, and privacy always come first, both in person and online. We’ve aligned our policies and practices with the National Model Code and Guidelines, developed by ACECQA and all Australian Governments, to ensure a strong child safe culture around taking, sharing, and storing images or videos of children.

Please refer to the Sesame Lane Information Technology Policy.

National Model Code for Early Childhood

ACECQA National Model Conduct FAQ’s

Safe use of devices

To protect every child in our care, strict protocols apply to all staff, visitors, students, volunteers, and contractors:

Personal devices (such as phones, tablets, cameras, smart watches, USBs, SD cards, or cloud storage) must be securely stored and never kept on a person while working directly with children.
Any exception for essential purposes must be authorised in writing by the Centre Manager.

Approved devices and consent

We use Sesame Lane–issued devices only such as iPads when taking photos or videos of children. All photos and videos captured on these devices are securely managed in line with our Digital Policy, which outlines how images are stored, used, and shared. Images are shared only with the informed and explicit consent of parents or guardians.

If you see our educators using iPads within our environments, you can feel confident knowing these devices are owned and managed by Sesame Lane, and every image taken is handled safely and responsibly under our digital protection framework.

Visitors and external professionals

Visitors who work or volunteer with children such as therapists or specialist educators may only use business-issued laptops or tablets when this is essential to perform their professional role (for example, completing observation notes or using therapy applications).

To manage risk and ensure transparency:

Business-issued phones are not permitted in Sesame Lane learning environments.
Any approved use of a laptop or tablet is authorised and recorded by the Service Manager.

At Sesame Lane, we’re proud to set a high standard for digital safety and privacy. By following the National Model Code, we ensure that every image captured in our centres reflects our values of respect, trust, and protection, safeguarding the rights of every child, every day.