Information sheets

This range of information sheets offers practical strategies to support educators and providers to think about quality practice and topics related to the seven quality areas of the National Quality Standard.

Quality Area 1 – Educational program and practice

Topics

QA1 Be part of reconciliation information sheet cover with image of Indigenous girl in classroom

Information sheet – QA1 Be part of reconciliation

Fostering children’s understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and challenging biases can impact on children’s future attitudes towards cultural diversity.

QA1 Developing a culture of learning through reflective practice information sheet cover image

Information sheet – QA1 Developing a culture of learning through reflective practice

When educators strive to assess and understand the impact of their practice, they are engaging in reflective practice.

QA1 Supporting agency: Involving children in decision-making information sheet cover image

Information sheet – QA1 Supporting agency: Involving children in decision-making

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states children have a right to be active participants in all matters affecting their lives.

Information Sheet - The legislative requirements of an in-nature program (In-nature information sheet 1)

Information sheet – QA1 The legislative requirements of an in-nature program

Information to support approved providers, nominated supervisors, coordinators, educators and teachers when considering an in-nature program in their children’s education and care service as part of the National Quality Framework.

Information sheet – QA1 The how and why of in-nature programs

Practical considerations when considering or developing an in-nature program, including how it reflects the unique context of your service, children, families and community.

Quality Area 2 – Children's health and safety

Topics

QA2 Toileting and nappy changing principles and practices information sheet cover image

Information sheet – QA2 Toileting and nappy changing principles and practices

Safe and hygienic practices ensure children experience toileting and nappy changing that supports their health and well-being. Appropriate, respectful procedures and practices can promote learning and capacity building.

QA2 Active supervision: Ensuring safety and promoting learning information sheet cover image

Information sheet – QA2 Active supervision: Ensuring safety and promoting learning

Children need safe and secure environments to thrive in their life and learning. Effective supervision is integral to creating environments that are safe and responsive to the needs of all.

Information sheet – QA2 Minimising the risk of children being mistakenly locked in or out of service premises

When incidents where children are mistakenly locked in or out of service premises occur, they can have severe consequences for children’s health and safety.

Information sheet – Minimising the risk of children being left in vehicles

Information for centre-based providers and services to support children's safety during regular transportation, and to support compliance with new legislative requirements from 1 March 2023.

Information sheet - Managing and responding to injury, trauma and illness incidents

The approved provider, nominated supervisors, coordinators and educators have responsibility for supporting the health, safety and wellbeing of all children. In exercising their responsibilities, they must take reasonable care to protect children from…

Quality Area 3 – Physical environment

Topics

QA3 Babies and outdoor play information sheet cover image

Information sheet – QA3 Babies and outdoor play

Providing babies with quality care and education includes offering positive experiences in the natural outdoor environment.

QA3 Keeping pets and animals in education and care services information sheet cover image

Information sheet – QA3 Keeping pets and animals in education and care services

Having a pet at your service gives children the opportunity to observe, interact and learn about animals. It can be a valuable part of a child’s education and care experience.

QA3 The environment as 'The Third Teacher' information sheet cover image

Information sheet – QA3 The environment as 'The Third Teacher'

Contemporary theories and research informed by the Reggio Emilia approach recognise and value the environment as a ‘third teacher’.

Information sheet – QA3 Inclusive environments

An inclusive service environment is one where both indoor and outdoor spaces – natural and built – are organised and adapted to support every child’s participation and engage every child in quality experiences (Element 3.2.1).

Quality Area 4 – Staffing arrangements

Topics

QA4 Belonging, being and becoming for educators information sheet cover image

Information sheet – QA4 Belonging, being and becoming for educators

The approved learning frameworks are designed to inspire conversations, improve communication and provide a common language about children’s learning.

Quality Area 5 – Relationships with children

Topics

QA5 Relationships with children information sheet cover image

Information sheet – QA5 Relationships with children

Research shows relationships are central to children developing acceptance, self-esteem and higher functioning thinking skills that contribute to positive learning and life outcomes.

QA5 Supporting children to regulate their own behaviour information sheet cover image

Information sheet – QA5 Supporting children to regulate their own behaviour

From birth, children begin to explore how the social world works. Exploring and learning to manage feelings, behaviour, rights and responsibilities is a complex process.

Quality Area 6 – Collaborative partnerships with families and communities

Topics

QA6 Building partnerships with families information sheet cover image

Information sheet – QA6 Building partnerships with families

Research shows children are much more likely to reach their full potential in life when their family and education and care service work together.

QA6 Enrolment and orientation information sheet cover image

Information sheet – QA6 Enrolment and orientation

Enrolment and orientation, when conducted well, are an opportunity to get to know each child and their family.

Quality Area 7 – Governance and Leadership

Topics

QA7 Supporting performance and the development of professionals information sheet cover image

Information sheet – QA7 Supporting performance and the development of professionals

This information sheet talks about the responsibility of the approved provider of ensuring that each team member’s roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and performance is regularly evaluated.

Information sheet – QA7 The role of the educational leader

The educational leader has an influential role in promoting positive outcomes for children and families, and building the capacity of educators by inspiring, challenging and extending their practice and pedagogy.

QA7 Educational leadership and team building information sheet cover image

Information sheet – QA7 Educational leadership and team building

The educational leader is responsible for leading the development of the curriculum at the service. To do this effectively the educational leader should encourage educators to collaborate and ensure the establishment of clear goals for teaching and learning.

QA7 Using complaints to support continuous improvement information sheet cover image

Information sheet – QA7 Using complaints to support continuous improvement

Complaints and grievances can be opportunities for critical reflection and improving practices, relationships and outcomes for children and families.

Information sheet – QA7 Reviewing your service philosophy

The statement of philosophy reflects the beliefs and values of the service and assists educators in considering the service’s approach to learning, development and wellbeing.