ACECQA Newsletter Issue 4 2024

CEO foreword

Welcome to our fourth issue for 2024. In this edition, we continue to promote and foster continuous quality improvement by approved education and care services in line with one of our functions under the National Law.  

Our articles are written in acknowledgement that you, as a teacher/educator, belong to a highly regarded and essential profession operating in a fast changing and complex society. We try to distil and present a plethora of sources of new information, advice, perspectives, opinions and technologies in a way that will help you understand the what, how, when and why of quality programs and practices. Our job is to walk with you on your journey for the safety, health, wellbeing, and optimal development and learning of the children and young people in your care.

We also understand that some confusion still exists when operating a service and working under the National Quality Framework (NQF), including at a system level (for example, the roles of ACECQA and regulatory authorities) and a structural level (for example, what documentation is required under the National Law and National Regulations).

Every two months, our newsletter tries to shed light on the NQF. This edition, we have articles about documentation, children’s digital footprints and the use of artificial intelligence. We also repeat articles about children’s safety and their right to be protected in a digital world: the National Model Code is a good prompt for conversations with your colleagues and families.

Our new National Decision Tree resource arose from your feedback about the practical challenges you face when incidents and accidents occur – what to report and when. The step-by-step guide will help you make the right decisions as expected under the National Regulations and is a great resource for new staff.

In developing the National Workforce Strategy (Shaping Our Future) with governments and sector stakeholders, we understand and support the professional status of teachers and educators in our sector. Sometimes, however, what constitutes professional practice can be open to interpretation. Our article about the seven indicators of professionalism may be of interest. Are there other indicators in your unique community?

The climate in any organisation affects the quality of staff work: a positive climate motivates high performance, creates job satisfaction and encourages an intention to stay. We see the evidence of effective governance and leadership in service environments that support their staff and, in turn, how happy teachers and educators create the conditions for children’s development, learning, participation, security and wellbeing. While all seven quality areas are interrelated, quality areas 7, 1 and 4 are very closely linked indeed. So, we are proud to share stories from services that have achieved an Excellent rating. As the decision maker, I am delighted and inspired by the services’ leadership and how they have worked with their staff, families and children to develop exceptional programs, practices, policies and philosophies. In this edition, we share the stories of four Excellent rated services.

Looking ahead, August and September have several special days, including National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day (4 August) and Early Childcare Educators' Day (4 September). Our articles may help in your planning and conversations with staff, children and families to acknowledge or celebrate the days and events that are important in your service and community, including:

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day - 4 August

Bullying No Way Week - 12 to 16 August

Children's Book Week - 17 to 23 August

Father’s Day - 1 September

Early Childcare Educators' Day - 4 September

National Health & Physical Education Day - 4 September

R U OK? Day - 12 September

Of course, if there are articles that you find interesting or informative, please share them with your colleagues and families.

Gabrielle Sinclair
ACECQA CEO