National Quality Framework
Explaining the National Quality Framework
Source: ACECQA (Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority)
The Australian, state and territory education Ministers have agreed to changes to the National Quality Framework following a review of the National Partnership Agreement on the National Quality Agenda for Early Childhood Education and Care. Learn more about changes that will come into effect from 1 October 2017.
The National Quality Framework (NQF) was the result of an agreement between all Australian governments to work together to provide better educational and developmental outcomes for children.
The NQF introduced a new quality standard in 2012 to improve education and care across long day care, family day care, preschool/kindergarten, and outside school hours care.
The NQF includes:
Benefits for children and families
Research shows quality education and care early in life leads to better health, education and employment outcomes later in life. The early years are critical for establishing self-esteem, resilience, healthy growth and capacity to learn. Quality education and care shapes every child’s future and lays the foundation for development and learning.
The major benefits for parents and children include:
Improved educator to child ratios, ensuring children have greater individual care and attention for children.
Better support for children’s learning and development through approved learning frameworks.
Consistent, transparent information on educators, providers and services in the national registers.
