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How to apply for an Excellent rating

* Please note that, from 1 July 2023, the period for holding the Excellent rating has extended from 3 to 5 years. 

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Step 1 – Download Excellent rating Application Guidelines.

 

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Step 2 – Collect stakeholder feedback. Align your practices with the criteria and themes.

 

Step 3 – Prepare and review your application, including statements, evidence and a complete application form.

 

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Step 4 – Hit send to submit your application.

 

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Step 5 – We contact you to confirm receiving your application.

 

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Step 6 – We assess your application, seek further information (if required) and write your decision notice, which explains the reasons for the decision.

 

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Step 7 –  We notify you of the decision.

 

*ACECQA has 60 days to make a decision and then 14 days to notify you.

Assessment information

  • Assessment commences when a complete application and form is received
  • ACECQA will assess your service against the published criteria
  • The application criteria set by ACECQA apply to services in all states and territories
  • We use application information and further information provided, requested and sought as part of the assessment process
  • ACECQA must seek and consider advice from your relevant regulatory authority.

    Resources

    Become familiar with the Excellent rating Application Guidelines before and while writing your application.

    Re-applying services should also consider the Excellent rating Re-application Guidelines.

    Application resources

    Before you hit send

    Your application to ACECQA must include:

    1. Evidence addressing three criteria and at least three themes must be addressed
    2. Written statements with evidence for each criterion
    3. An application form with all sections filled in, ticked, signed and dated

     

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    Ready to submit?

    Email application.

    Alternatively, if emailing your application is not possible, please use the postal address on the application form.

    Privacy statement

    ACECQA will use the information you have provided to assess your service for the Excellent rating under section 153 of the Education and Care Services National Law. ACECQA may need to disclose personal information to some third parties, including the regulatory authority to verify the information you have provided in the application. In the case of a complaint or a challenge to the decision, ACECQA may need to disclose some information to a review body, for example, an ombudsman, court or tribunal. Personal information will be used and stored in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).