Early learning quality

UNDERSTANDING QUALITY IN EARLY LEARNING

Our Australian children’s education and care sector is recognised around the world for its commitment to quality. The National Quality Framework (NQF) keeps children safe while attending services and supports high-quality education outcomes. This sets children up for the best start in life.

Research shows that access to quality early education and care leads to better health, education and employment outcomes later in life.

In Australia, children’s education and care services are assessed by government regulatory authorities and given ratings for each of the seven quality areas under the National Quality Standard (NQS). They are also given an overall NQS service quality rating based on their results. So, what does quality look like in children’s education and care services? When you’re choosing a service for your child, knowing about some of these quality features might help.

What are the National Quality Standard quality areas? Quality Area 1 – Educational program and practice

The service’s program should reflect your child’s interests, meet their needs, and evolve to support their learning progress. You know you’re seeing quality at a service when: • each child can develop their interests • children are encouraged to express ideas and participate in decisions about their program • educators recognise that your child is competent and capable, even if they need extra support • the diversity of the children at the service is reflected through learning opportunities

Quality Area 2 – Children’s health and safety

Your child should feel secure and engaged in learning, and educators will help them learn about healthy lifestyles including nutrition, hygiene, physical fitness and social relationships. You know you’re seeing quality at a service when:

• educators are providing for children’s wellbeing and comfort • they’re communicating with families about health practices and procedures • healthy menus and physical activities are built into the educational program

Quality Area 3 – Physical environment

Your child should be included in play and learning in spaces that support them to become physically competent, to explore their environment independently, and to learn through play. You know you’re seeing quality at a service when: • children are exploring, experimenting and creating in indoor and outdoor environments • rooms and play spaces are safe and in good condition • there are adequate materials and learning resources for all children.

Quality Area 4 – Staffing arrangements

There are educator to child ratios to ensure your child’s safety, welfare and wellbeing, and to meet their learning and development needs. You know you’re seeing quality at a service when: • there’s a suitably qualified and experienced team • staffing practices reflect the philosophy of the service • educators treat one another with respect and work well together.

Quality Area 5 – Relationships with children

Your child will be supported to build strong positive relationships with other children to play and learn together, and build their skills in problem-solving, negotiation and decisionmaking. You know you’re seeing quality at a service when:

• the atmosphere is generally relaxed and happy • the children are displaying kindness and compassion • educators and children are engaged in genuine and meaningful conversations.

Quality Area 6 – Collaborative partnerships with families and communities

Your child’s service should work in partnership with you and engage with the local community to build your child’s sense of belonging in the wider world. You know you’re seeing quality at a service when: • there are effective enrolment and orientation processes and access to current information • the educators communicate respectfully with you and tell you about your child’s learning and development • families are involved in decision-making and can express any concerns freely.

Quality Area 7 – Governance and Leadership

Your child ‘s service should have a positive workplace culture, which creates a safe and healthy learning environment for children. You know you’re seeing quality at a service when: • there’s a a sense of pride and cohesion among management and educators • there are documents on display at the service, such as the service’s NQS rating,

Quality Improvement plan with the service’s current goals and strategies, license • there’s a clear way to ask questions or raise any concerns StartingBlocks.gov.au is your first step into early childhood education and care. Whether your child is already in a service or you’re still deciding whether to enrol, our Find Child Care tool can help you get started. Visit startingblocks.gov.au to find child care services and learn about their quality ratings, get tips on starting child care or preschool, and learn what can be done at home to encourage your child’s learning and development. Brought to you by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority.