What is the National Quality Framework?
The National Quality Framework or NQF is a national legislative framework developed to create a uniform national approach to the regulation and quality of all Early Childhood education services in Australia. All services are Approved to operate and governed by the:
- Education and Care Services National Law and the
- Education and Care Services National Regulations.
The Department of Education and Community are the Regulatory Authority in NSW and are responsible for administering the National Quality Framework for all early childhood services in NSW.
There is also a national body which oversees the NQF to ensure consistent and effective implementation of the system. This body is the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority or ACECQA.
For information and newsletters regarding the National Quality Framework go to:
http://www.acecqa.gov.au/families
What are the National Quality Standards?
The National Quality Standards are embedded in the national Regulations and they set a national benchmark for the quality of early childhood education and care services.
The National Quality Standard is divided into 7 quality areas:
- Educational programme and practice
- Children’s health and safety
- Physical environment
- Staffing arrangements
- Relationships with children
- Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
- Governance and leadership
Overall the National Quality Standards aim to promote the safety, health and wellbeing of children and focus on children achieving outcomes through the delivery of high quality programmes.
What is Assessment and Rating?
All Approved services are assessed and rated against each of the 7 quality areas and given an overall rating. The Assessment and rating process aims to drive continuous quality improvement at services and provide families with better information for making choices about their child’s education and care.
To view a service rating go to:
