2018 NQS commences

The 2018 National Quality Standard (NQS) commences today (1 February 2018) across all states and territories, including Western Australia.

Services approved under the Education and Care Services National Law will now be assessed and rated against the 2018 NQS.

• The number of standards has been reduced from 18 to 15 and the number of elements from 58 to 40.
• The language is clearer, and each standard and element describes a single unique concept.
• There is new guidance to clarify the difference between Meeting NQS and Exceeding NQS.
• All standards within a quality area must be rated Exceeding NQS for that quality area to be rated Exceeding NQS.
•  …other changes

Guidance and information can be found in the Guide to the National Quality Framework (NQF). The Guide was developed by all governments in partnership with ACECQA to support the education and care sector to understand the NQF and prepare for the changes. The Guide is available online and to purchase, but we encourage use of the online PDF as it will remain more up-to-date than the hard copy.

Information sheets and resources | ACECQA Newsletter | Visit your regulatory authority website | Frequently Asked Questions | Summary of changes | National Quality Standard

Why changes have been implemented

The Australian, state and territory education Ministers agreed to changes to the National Quality Framework (NQF) to ensure quality education and care in Australia continues to improve in the most efficient and effective way. Decisions were made following a review of the National Partnership Agreement on the National Quality Agenda for Early Childhood Education and Care, including consultation with the education and care sector, families and communities.

Most changes commenced 1 October 2017 in all states and territories (except Western Australia, which will commence by 1 October 2018). The 2018 NQS and some related changes commence 1 February 2018 (including in Western Australia).

ACECQA website

To coincide with the implementation of the 2018 NQS, ACECQA has refreshed its website, the latest initiative aimed at supporting and promoting early childhood education and care.

We welcome your feedback, comments and enquiries. These can be directed to the ACECQA Enquiries team – enquiries@acecqa.gov.au or 1300 422 327.