The National Quality Framework and National Law​

The National Quality Framework (NQF) aims to provide better educational and developmental outcomes for children attending approved education and care services. The NQF includes several key elements, which are explained below.

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The National Law

The purpose of the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 (National Law) is to create a national approach to the regulation and quality assessment of education and care services. The National Law sets out the objectives and guiding principles of the National Quality Framework (NQF) and regulates education and care services (known as 'in-scope' services). Open the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010

The National Law was adopted in Tasmania in 2011 through the Education and Care Services National Law (Application) Act 2011. Open the Education and Care Services National Law (Application) Act 2011 

 

The National Regulations

The Education and Care Services National Regulations (National Regulations) have applied in Tasmania on 1 January 2012.
 
The National Regulations set out specific requirements for the governance and operation of education and care services. The regulations have been amended since they were introduced to improve the implementation and effectiveness of the National Quality Framework (NQF). Open the Education and Care National Regulations
 

A Guide to the National Law and National Regulations is available on the The Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority's (ACECQA) website.

 

The National Quality Standard

The National Quality Standard (NQS) sets a benchmark for the quality of education and care services. The NQS supports a national assessment and rating process that encourages services to focus on continuous improvement.

Each service in Tasmania is assessed and rated by the Education and Care Unit (ECU) against seven quality areas to determine a service's overall quality rating.

In total, 18 standards and 58 elements that are important to outcomes for children's learning, development and wellbeing are assessed.

Further information about the National Quality Standard is available on the ACECQA website.

 

The Approved Learning Frameworks

 All services are required to base their educational program on an approved learning framework that promotes the following outcomes for each child:

  • a strong sense of identity
  • the ability to connect with and contribute to their world
  • a strong sense of wellbeing
  • confidence and the ability to be an involved learner
  • the ability to be an effective communicator

There are two learning frameworks approved and applied nationally:

Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (for children under school age) 

My Time, Our Place: Framework for School Aged Care in Australia (for school aged children up to 12 years).

 

​The Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA)

ACECQA is the national body established under the NQF. The role of ACECQA includes administering, monitoring and promoting the implementation of the NQF. ACECQA's website is a primary source of current information and resources for educators, providers and families.

VIsit the ACECQA website