Childcare Lifts: Need vs Compliance Challenges in Australia

 

If you run a childcare centre or early learning facility, you’re required to meet the same accessibility standards as other commercial buildings, including regulations around commercial lifts. We’ll walk you through what those requirements mean in this blog.

 

Do you really need a commercial lift in a childcare centre?

 

In Australia, often yes. If your childcare centre has areas on another level that children, parents, staff, or visitors need to be able to reach — such as learning rooms, toilets, reception, play areas, or pick-up and drop-off points — you usually need to provide them with an accessible way to get there. In many cases, that means that you need a compliant commercial lift or ramp, not stairs only.

 

You may not need a lift if your childcare centre is fully accessible on one level, or if every required area can already be reached by a compliant ramp or another approved access path. But your childcare centre still needs to be accessible to both children and adults with disabilities by law. Aside from lifts, you’ll need to think about:

 

·       Accessible parking

·       Easy entry into the building

·       Smooth access to key areas inside

·       Accessible toilets

·       Proper changing areas

 

 

Why are lifts important for childcare centres?

 

Accessibility laws in Australia, like the Disability Discrimination Act, state that people shouldn’t face barriers when accessing services. This includes the kids you’re taking care of, along with their parents and your staff.

 

As such, you could run into compliance issues if your layout makes it difficult for someone using a wheelchair or pushing a pram to reach key areas. Keep in mind that as a business, you’re expected to have accessible pathways that connect every space in your property.

 

It’s also important to pay attention to the guidance from the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority that reinforces the need for accessibility. Childcare centres are a business, so you can’t limit or deny access to services because of a child’s disability. With commercial lifts, you can meet your legal responsibilities while ensuring that everyone can navigate your property easily.

 

Making everyday life easier

 

Commercial lifts can make a multi-level childcare centre easier to run. Your staff don’t have to carry supplies up and down stairs while trying to supervise children. Parents with prams can reach upper-level rooms without having to fold the pram and carry it (or leave it downstairs). Children do not have to be funnelled through stairwells every time the group changes rooms.

 

Your building becomes easier to use for everyone. Over time, commercial lifts can even boost the overall value of your property.

 

What happens if you skip compliance?

 

 

Beyond paperwork, this issue could directly impact your ability to operate and support families who rely on your service.

 

In August 2025, the Department of Education took compliance action against 30 early childhood education and care services that didn’t meet the National Quality Standards (NQS).

 

If your service doesn’t meet NQS requirements, you could face added conditions on your Child Care Subsidy approval. In more serious cases, that approval can be suspended or even cancelled altogether.

 

Stay compliant and choose the right lift

 

When you’re ready to install a lift in your childcare centre, always prioritise safety and compliance. Our team here at Lift Experts can help with that by recommending commercial lifts that meet key standards, including DDA compliance and Australian building codes. In addition, we make sure your lift has built-in safety features with options to add more depending on your needs.

 

You can get a quick estimate online any time or request a callback if you’d rather talk things through with our team.