Assessment and rating process
Education and care services are assessed and rated by their state and territory regulatory authority.
Education and care services are assessed and rated by their state and territory regulatory authority.
Services are assessed against the 7 quality areas of the National Quality Standard.
On this page:
Quality ratings
Services are given a rating for each of the 7 quality areas and an overall rating based on these results.
The ratings are:
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NQS Rating |
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|---|---|
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Excellent |
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Exceeding National Quality Standard |
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Meeting National Quality Standard |
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Working Towards National Quality Standard |
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Significant Improvement required |
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Ratings must be displayed at the service at all times. In addition to the rating certificate, services can use their NQS rating logo. Find out how you can request your logo and promote your rating.
The quality ratings are published on the national registers and StartingBlocks.gov.au. Quality ratings can help families choose the right service for their child.
Services not yet assessed
Services not yet assessed are given a rating of ‘Provisional—Not yet assessed under the National Quality Framework’ and must display this rating at the service.
Steps in assessment and rating process
Services are assessed and rated by the state or territory regulatory authority. Below is a summary of the steps in the assessment and rating process and approximate timeframes.
See the Guide to the National Quality Framework for more details.
Self-assessment and quality improvement (ongoing)
Approved provider will self-assess the quality of the current practices against the National Quality Standard and regulatory requirements.
Approved provider identifies strengths and areas for improvement on an ongoing basis. Read more on self-assessment and quality improvement planning.
Notice of start of process (week 1)
Regulatory authority provides written notice to an approved provider that the assessment and rating process has commenced.
Quality Improvement Plan (week 3-4)
The quality improvement plan is submitted to the regulatory authority prior to the visit, along with any additional information requested by the regulatory authority
Visit (week 5 to 8)
The regulatory authority visits the service.
Feedback on draft report (3-5 weeks after the visit)
Regulatory authority provides the approved provider with a draft assessment and rating report. The provider can give feedback on any factual inaccuracies in the report and evidence to support feedback.
Final report and notice of final ratings issued to provider
Feedback considered before final report is finalised and issued. Approved provider may choose to apply for a review of final ratings within the set review period.
Ratings published
Once the review period has ended, the final ratings are published on the national registers.