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.

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 from 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

Information about the National Regulations is also available on the ACECQA website

The National Quality Standard

The National Quality Standard 2018 (NQS 2018) sets a benchmark for the quality of education and care services. The NQS 2018 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, 15 standards and 40 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.