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:
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each child can develop their interests
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children are encouraged to express ideas and participate in decisions about their program
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educators recognise that your child is competent and capable, even if they need extra support
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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
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they’re communicating with families about health practices and procedures
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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
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rooms and play spaces are safe and in good condition
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there are adequate materials and learning resources for all children.
