National Quality Framework policy.

Aim

Our Service participates in the National Quality Framework (NQF). The service aims to provide the highest quality education and care available across all areas.

Implementation

Our Service participates in and values the National Quality Framework (NQF), including the National Quality Standard (NQS), the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the National Regulations – an Australian Government initiative linked to the funding of the Child Care Subsidy for parents. This is conducted through the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and the state licensing department through scheduled site assessment visits and where appropriate, spontaneous visits.

The NQS provides standards of quality practices for care provided in our Service as well as guidance and support from the Service’s self-evaluation through our Quality Improvement Plan (QIP). The system also allows educators to continually improve practices by identifying the quality aspects of care the Service is already providing and assisting the Service in developing goals for further improvement through our QIP. The Service is required to complete and evaluate a comprehensive Self-Assessment/Quality Improvement Plan every twelve months. Needs to be ready to be submitted when requested or during spot check visits.

The Service will ensure that all educators and management are informed about current practices and requirements in the NQF process by attending appropriate in-service/training, accessing any other publications and information about the accreditation process that may be of benefit – including those published by ACECQA.

Educators will involve parents, families, and management in each stage to seek their input and views into practices and care in our Service – this includes having parent input into policy reviews, parent meetings and providing updates through the OWNA App. about the Service’s current stage in the process.

The seven Standards under the NQS are –

1. Educational program and practice

2. Children’s health and safety

3. Physical environment

4. Staffing arrangements

5. Relationships with children

6. Collaborative partnerships with families and communities

7. Governance and Leadership

The Rating System

The NQS is accompanied by a national quality rating and assessment process that promotes transparency and accountability and assists parents to make informed choices about the quality of education and care at a service. Our service will display the rating received for each quality area and the overall rating. Ratings will be displayed in a prominent area for ease of families. Ratings are also available through the Starting Blocks and Child Care Finder websites, helping families make informed choices.

The Ratings are as follows -

• Excellent

• Exceeding National Quality Standard

• Meeting National Quality Standard

• Working towards National Quality Standard

• Significant Improvement required.

We will access regular updates through the ACECQA website www.acecqa.gov.au and through the ACECQA newsletters sent via email to the service.

Sources: EYLF (Early Years Learning Framework) V2.0 2022

National Quality Standard

Education and Care Services National Regulation

This policy is the property of Eikoh Seminar Australia Pty Ltd and must not be reproduced without the consent of management.