The NQF Documents
What does the NQF mean for your service?
In NSW, services will be assessed against the National Quality Standard by the Department of Education and Communities (DEC). Your service will need to reflect on its practices with respect to the seven quality areas and then prepare a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) outlining your strengths and areas for growth against the National Quality Standard. An Authorised Officer from DEC will review your Plan and make a visit to observe typical practice at your service to determine your rating.
The assessment and rating process
Self reflection
Services are encouraged to reflect on current practice in relation to the seven quality areas and identify your strengths and areas of growth. There is no set format for the self reflection and the self assessment does not need to be submitted to DEC.
The Quality Improvement Plan (QIP)
Based on your self reflection, services need to prepare a QIP outlining which areas of the National Quality Standard (NQS) you believe your service needs to improve against. This will become your roadmap as you work to improve quality in these areas. You will be asked to submit your QIP prior to the assessment visit and your service needs to update it annually.
The assessment visit
The assessment visit is intended to observe typical practice at your service. An assessment and compliance officer will come to your service (if centre-based) and assess the service. Your rating is determined by a review of your QIP, your compliance history, your assessment history and the practices observed during the assessment visit. Family Day Care schemes will have their assessment visits to the service and one or more carers depending on the size of the scheme.
The ratings system (5 possible ratings)
There is a five-tier rating scale under the NQF. Your service will have a rating for each quality area of the NQS and an overall service rating.
The ratings are:
- Excellent: indicates that a service demonstrates excellence and is recognised as a service leader.
- Exceeds National Quality Standard: indicates that a service is exceeding the National Quality Standard.
- National Quality Standard: indicates that a service is meeting the National Quality Standard.
- Working Toward National Quality Standard: indicates that a service is working toward meeting the National Quality Standard.
- Significant Improvement Required: indicates that a service is not meeting the NQS and DEC is working closely with the service to immediately improve its quality.
Who, What & By When Timeline | PDF Download
Further information
- Children’s Services Central provides a variety of NQF professional development and NQF support opportunities for eligible services. For more information on how to access these contact us on 1800 157 818 or via info@cscentral.org.au
- National Quality Framework hotline on 1800 181 088 is available to all education and care services. Translated information is available if you require information in a language other than English.
Subscribe to NQF E-Tips
Children’s Services Central publishes an NQF E-tips email and individuals can register for emails with tips, guidance, resources and support to assist with the implementation of the EYLF.
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