The National Quality Framework
The National Quality Framework (NQF) provides a national approach to regulation, assessment and quality improvement for most education and care services for children around Australia.
The NQF aims to improve the educational and developmental outcomes for children attending education and care services, and promote continuous improvement in service quality.
The framework includes:
A key element of the NQF is the National Quality Standard (NQS) which identifies seven quality areas that are important to outcomes for children. These quality areas are:
- Education program and practice
- Children's health and safety
- Physical environment
- Staffing arrangements
- Relationships with children
- Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
- Governance and leadership.
Quality Ratings
All approved services in NSW are assessed and rated against the National Quality Standard which sets a high benchmark for the quality of all services across Australia.
Services are assessed against the 7 quality areas, which contribute to an overall rating. It is not a pass or fail system, but is designed to promote continuous quality improvement by identifying service strengths and areas for improvement.
Understanding ratings
Significant Improvement Required - Service does not meet one of the seven quality areas or a section of the legislation and there is a significant risk to the safety, health and wellbeing of children. The department will take immediate action to address the issues.
Working Towards National Quality Standard - Service provides a safe education and care program, but there are one or more areas identified for improvement. If a service is rated ‘Working Towards’ the standard in any of the seven quality areas, it will have an overall rating of ‘Working Towards’ even if it is meeting or exceeding in any or all of the others.
Meeting National Quality Standard - Service meets the National Quality Standard. Service provides quality education and care in all seven quality areas. The NQS sets a high benchmark, an overall rating of ‘Meeting’ is a great achievement.
Exceeding National Quality Standard - Service goes beyond the requirements of the National Quality Standard in at least four of the seven quality areas.
Excellent rated by ACECQA - Service exceeds the requirements of the National Quality Standard across all seven quality areas. Note this rating is not awarded by the Regulatory Authority.
