WHO DO I ASK ABOUT THE NATIONAL
QUALITY FRAMEWORK?
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Overview
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The National Quality Framework (NQF) began on 1 January
2012 for long day care, family day care, outside school hours
care and preschool services*. The NQF will raise quality and
drive continuous improvement in early childhood education
and care and school age care services through:
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the National Quality Standard
a quality rating system
streamlined regulatory arrangements
a national body jointly governed by the Australian
Government and State and Territory Governments the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality
Authority (ACECQA).
* Preschool services in some jurisdictions are not included in the national
law.
Who do I ask?
The NQF has broad agreement from the Commonwealth and
all state and territory governments. It is the first overarching
national strategy for early childhood development.
Over two years has been spent working with government,
educators and others in the education and care sector to
develop the framework.
Come to ACECQA for:
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ACECQA
ACECQA guides and monitors the implementation of the NQF
to ensure consistency across all states and territories.
ACECQA is responsible for:
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establishing consistent and efficient procedures for
the operation of the NQF
conducting national consistency audits
determining approved qualifications for educators
determining qualifications for authorised officers
assessing qualifications and new courses
information and news on the NQF
resources and templates
application and notification forms
link to the National Quality Agenda IT System
qualification lists
assessment of qualifications
excellent rating applications
second tier review applications
Regulatory Authorities
A Regulatory Authority in each state and territory
administers the NQF. In most cases the Regulatory Authority
is the first point of contact for providers.
Regulatory Authorities are responsible for:
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There are many people to talk to about the NQF. For general
advice ask ACECQA, the regulatory authorities, peak bodies
and other professional support organisations.
publishing guides and other resources
maintaining public registers of national approvals
and ratings
setting and awarding the highest rating “Excellent”
undertaking second tier review of ratings appeals
working with regulatory authorities to educate
and inform the community about the NQF
fostering continuous quality improvement.
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granting all approvals, including provider approval,
service approval and supervisor certificates
assessing and rating services against the National
Quality Standard and the National Regulations
monitoring and enforcing compliance with the
National Law and National Regulations, including
receiving and investigating serious incidents and
complaints
working with ACECQA to promote continuous
quality improvement and educating the sector and
community about the NQF.
Contact your Regulatory Authority for:
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submitting application and notification forms
temporary and service waivers
provider/service and certified supervisor approvals
information about assessment and rating
information on transitions and savings provisions
unique to your jurisdiction.
For the contact details of your regulatory authority, visit:
www.acecqa.gov.au/regulatory-authorities
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Information sheet – Who do I ask about the National Quality Framework?
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Information sheet – Who do I ask about the National Quality Framework?