Changes to the NQF & NQS Communications Toolkit
On this page you will find resources to help you communicate the changes to the National Quality Framework (from 1 October 2017) and the National Quality Standard (from 1 February 2017) to educators, staff and families. We have drafted some suggested text which you can use for websites, social media and in newsletters (and which you can change to suit your needs).
In partnership with all governments, we have also created a range of information sheets and a new Guide to the NQF that we encourage you to share.
Thank you for distributing this information and promoting the changes . For more information please contact enquiries@acecqa.gov.au.
Staff newsletter
The revised National Quality Standard (NQS) will commence on 1 February 2018 across all states and territories.
The revised NQS uses clearer language and retains the same focus on quality education and care as the current version. There will be fewer standards and elements, and new guidance clarifying the difference between Meeting NQS.
Please familiarise yourself with the changes.
View ACECQA’s information sheets on the Revised NQS and Transitioning to the revised NQS.
Changes to the National Quality Framework (NQF) commenced on 1 October 2017, across all states and territories except Western Australia. The changes ensure quality education and care in Australia continues to improve in the most efficient and effective way.
In partnership with all governments, ACECQA has developed a new Guide to the NQF providing up to date information on applications and approvals, the revised National Quality Standard (NQS), operational requirements and more. You can also download a series of information sheets and resources covering:
- responsible person requirements
- notifications, incidents and complaints
- how to transition to the revised NQS
- documenting programs for school age children
- requirements for family day care educators and providers
- new guidance on determining Exceeding NQS for standards and more.
Visit the ACECQA website to view the Guide to the NQF and find resources.
On 1 February 2018, the revised NQS commenced in all states and territories, including Western Australia.
Families newsletter
Early childhood education and care services are assessed and rated against 7 quality areas under the National Quality Standard (NQS).
Changes to the NQS to come into effect from 1 February 2018 will enhance the national quality rating system.
Our educators and management will be working with the revised NQS to provide the best quality care, programs and experiences for your child. We are happy to answer any of your questions about our service and how we address the quality areas.
For more information about the changes, visit the ACECQA website, and for information about the quality ratings visit the Starting Blocks website.
Recently there was a review of the National Quality Framework and some changes came into effect on 1 October 2017.
The changes strengthen the focus on quality outcomes for children, provide clearer notification requirements for services when a serious incident has occurred, and offer a range of other initiatives to enable continuing oversight, compliance and monitoring of performance for education and care services.
Additional changes in February 2018 will enhance the national quality rating system and National Quality Standard, which will lead to continual improvement of our service.
Our educators are available to talk through these changes and answer any questions you may have. For more information about the changes, visit the ACECQA website. For information about the quality ratings, visit the Starting Blocks website.
Toolkit images
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Messages / social media
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Changes to the National Quality Standard (NQS) will take effect on 1 February 2018. The revised NQS uses clearer language and retains the same focus on quality education and care as the current version. There will be less standards and elements, and new guidance clarifying the difference between Meeting NQS and Exceeding NQS. All education and care services will be assessed and rated against the revised NQS from 1 February 2018. @ACECQA’s information sheet will support you to transition. |
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As you know, the revised National Quality Standard (NQS) and other changes to assessment and rating start from 1 February 2018. This means we will be updating some of our procedures over the coming months to prepare for the 1 February 2018 start date.
Among other changes, the process for determining the Exceeding the NQS rating for quality areas now requires all standards to be rated as Exceeding for that quality area to be rated Exceeding.
The process for determining the Exceeding rating overall has not changed. (Services still need to be rated Exceeding for four or more quality areas in the NQS, at least 2 of which are Quality Area 1, 5, 6 and 7, and rated Meeting for each other quality area.)
@ACECQA has released new guidance that clarifies the difference between the Meeting NQS and Exceeding NQS rating levels for each standard: New Guidance Determing Exceeding NQS
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On 1 February, the revised National Quality Standard will come into effect in all states and territories. Check the @ACECQA website to find out what this means for our service: Changes to the National Quality Framework changes |
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In the lead up to 1 February 2018, download and print the revised NQS poster. Each standard and element has a corresponding quality concept. Together the concepts provide simple shorthand for navigating the NQS. |
| Have you seen @ACECQA’s The Quest for Quality Game? It’s a fun way to engage with the seven quality areas of the revised National Quality Standard and perfect for team meetings, professional discussions and critical reflection. |
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Take a look at the new Guide to the National Quality Framework! The new look guide for services and providers includes information on the revised National Quality Standard, applications and approvals, assessment and rating, and much more. |
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With the recent changes to the National Law and Regulations, it is a good time to reflect on the journey of the National Quality Framework to better understand why changes were made. @ACECQA has produced a new video to help you understand the ‘Journey so Far’. |
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Looking for a handy resource on the changes to the NQF? Check out this @Early Childhood Australia webcast presented by ACECQA National Education Leader, Rhonda Livingstone |
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All education and care services are quality rated against the seven areas of the National Quality Standard (NQS). From 1 February 2018, our educators and management will be working with the revised NQS, which clarifies how quality is rated and assessed, to provide the best quality care, programs and experiences for your child. For more information about the quality ratings and resources for you and your family, head to the Starting Blocks website startingblocks.gov.au |
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Did you know there are changes to the National Quality Framework for the children’s education and care sector? As educators who are constantly striving to provide the best quality education and care for your child and family, we are always happy to answer any of your questions. For more information about the changes, head to Changes to the National Quality Framework changes |
Promote your rating
We have prepared a suite of logos to help you promote your rating and support families to better understand the National Quality Standard. Find out how you can request your logo and access a sample media release template.
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