National Quality Framework

The National Quality Framework (NQF) raises quality and promotes continuous improvement and consistency in education and care services through:

• a national legislative framework
• a National Quality Standard
• a national quality rating and assessment process
• a  national body called the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority. (ACECQA)

National legislative framework

The National Quality Framework sets in place compulsory, national standards to ensure high quality and consistent Early Childhood Education and Care across Australia. The national legislative framework is established through an applied laws system and consists of:

• the Education and Care Services National Law
• the Education and Care Services National Regulations.

The Framework creates a jointly governed uniform national approach to the regulation and quality assessment of education and care services in place of the previous separate licensing and quality assurance processes.

A regulatory authority in each state and territory will be responsible for administering the National Quality Framework, including approving, monitoring and assessing services.

The National Quality Standard is divided into seven areas that contribute to the quality of early childhood education and care. These areas are as follows:

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. Leadership and service management.

The National Quality Standard aims to promote:

• the safety, health and wellbeing of children
• a focus on achieving outcomes for children through high-quality educational programs
• families' understanding of what distinguishes a quality service.

Each Service is assessed and rated against each of the seven Quality Areas of the National Quality Standard and the National Regulations. Each service is given an overall rating of either; Significant Improvement Required, Working towards National Quality Standard, Meeting National Quality Standard, Exceeding National Quality Standard or Excellent.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) describes the principles, practices and outcomes that support and enhance your child's learning from birth to five, as well astheir transition to school. The EYLF is a key component of the NQF and was developed by the state government. The Belonging, Being and Becoming framework offers a vision where ALL children experience learning that is engaging and builds success for life.

Viewbank Early Childhood Centre is committed to a high standard of quality care that fosters all aspects of a child's development.

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