National Quality Framework
The National Quality Framework (NQF) provides a national approach to regulation, assessment and quality improvement for early childhood education and care and outside of school hours care services across australia (https://www.acecqa.gov.au/nqf/about).
The NQF includes;
- National Law and National Regulations
- National Quality Standard
- Assessment and Quality Rating Process
- National Learning Frameworks
The major benefits for children and their families include:
- Improved educator to child ratios
- Educators with increased skills, knoweldge and qualifications
- Better support for children's development and learning
- Consistent, Transparent information on educators, services and providers through the national register
- Starting Blocks - provides information to families about early childhood education and care services to assist them in making the best choice for them and their children.
There are 7 National Quality Standards (NQS) in the NQF. They are as follows:
NQS 1: Educational Program and Practice
NQS 2: Children's Health and Safety
NQS 3: Physical Environments
NQS 4: Staffing Arrangements
NQS 5: Relationships with children
NQS 6: Collaborative Partnerships with families and communities
NQS 7: Governance and Leadership
For more information please click the link https://www.acecqa.gov.au/