Almost 80% of Australia’s education and care services rated Meeting NQS or above

 Almost eight out of 10 (79%) education and care services are Meeting or Exceeding the National Quality Standard (NQS), according to the NQF Snapshot, Q4 2018 released today by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). 

ACECQA is required to keep national information on the assessment, rating and regulation of more than 15,700 education and care services, and to publish this information so families are able to make informed choices about the best service for their children. 

“All approved education and care services are assessed against the NQS and given a quality rating,” said ACECQA CEO Gabrielle Sinclair. “This is our 24th national report and these positive results show how services are adapting and improving their programs and practices to deliver better educational and development outcomes for children.” 

As at 31 December 2018, more than three out of 10 (32%) services are rated Exceeding the NQS and 50 services hold the Excellent rating – the highest rating a service can achieve. 

To be rated Meeting the NQS or above, services must meet all elements of the NQS. Many services rated Working Towards the NQS are close to achieving this high standard. 

ACECQA’s NQF Snapshot provides analysis and information on the profile of the education and care sector, the progress of quality assessment and rating, and the quality ratings awarded to services, including examining the distribution of ratings by service type, provider management type and geographically. 

Approved education and care services include long day care, outside school hours care and family day care services, as well as most preschools and kindergartens. 

Families are encouraged to visit Starting Blocks for more information about their local education and care services.