National Quality Framework
Preparing for the assessment
and rating visit
Podcast Series: 3
June 2012
Presentation overview
1.
2.
3.
4.
The assessment and rating process
Preparation tips
Evaluation
Resources
Overview
of the assessment and rating process
1. Overview
Assessment and rating process
Steps in the assessment and rating process
Step (*)
Action – any time from 1 May 2012
STEP 1
Notification to submit QIP (6 weeks to do so)
STEP 2 (wk 6)
STEP 3 (wk 12)
STEP 4 (wk 15)
STEP 5 (wk 18)
Notification of date for site visit
Site visit occurs - some on the spot feedback
Draft assessment report / rating provided
Feedback on report by provider is considered
STEP 6 (wk 20)
Report is finalised & rating determined
*approximate timeframe
Refer to acecqa.gov.au for the information sheet
1. Overview
Assessment and rating process
Be empowered and a part of the process
Engage with the resources available
• Become familiar with the seven quality areas of the
National Quality Standard (NQS) and related regulatory
requirements (Schedule 1, page 325 of the National
Regulations)
• Refer to the Guide to the National Quality Standard
• Engage with the approved learning frameworks
• Undertake a comprehensive self-assessment
• Start to implement the Quality Improvement Plan
1. Overview
Assessment and rating process
Remember, it’s a collaborative process
Collaborate with the authorised officer
• Various opportunities for discussion, to raise questions
and provide additional information
• Discuss strategies for improvement identified in the
Quality Improvement Plan
• Broad feedback during the assessment visit provided
1. Overview
Assessment and rating process
Minor adjustment policy
There will be opportunity to address minor
adjustments
• Within specified areas and timeframes
• Provide satisfactory evidence issue is resolved
• Evidence to be provided before the draft report is
finalised and does not guarantee a service will be found
to meet the relevant element or standard
http://acecqa.gov.au/resources-and-templates/assessment-and-rating-guides-and-instrument/
1. Overview
Assessment and rating process
The benchmark for quality has been raised
The National Quality Standard (NQS) sets a new
and higher national benchmark
• When children participate in high quality early
childhood education and care programs, they are given
the opportunity to reach their full potential and thrive
• Minimum standards are important, but consider the
NQS and strategies for continuous quality improvement
• Ratings may not translate from NCAC to NQS
1. Overview
Assessment and rating process
Assessments will be against the NQS and
related regulatory requirements
Ensuring reliability and consistency is key
• Rigorous authorised officer training and testing
• Numerous checks and balances
• Regional office and departmental review
Preparation tips
in lead up to and during your visit
2. Preparation for assessment and rating visit
What to expect
Tips for preparing for the assessment visit
• Ensure you have undertaken a self-assessment against the
NQS and regulatory standards
• Involve all educators, parents and children in
the self-assessment and discussions
• Be open and honest
• Acknowledge and celebrate strengths
• Implement the approved learning framework
The Early Years Learning Framework (birth – 5yrs),
Framework for School Age Care (6 – 12yrs)
• Review the Guide to the National Quality Standard
(so educators and others know what to expect)
2. Preparation for assessment and rating visit
What to expect
Tips for preparing for the assessment visit
• Inform parents and educators prior to the visit
• Introduce the authorised officer
• Negotiate a suitable time to talk with the authorised officer
at the beginning and end of the visit
• Collaborate with the authorised officer
• Ensure documentation related to the NQS and regulatory
requirements is readily available
The focus is strongly on
continuous quality improvement
and quality outcomes for children.
Compliance with the legislative
standards provides a strong
foundation to build on.
Evaluation
of the assessment and rating process
Resources
to assist in your preparation
4. Resources
www.acecqa.gov.au
Education and Care Services
National Law
Education and Care Services
National Regulations
1
Guide to the
National Law
and National
Regulations
Source
Documents
2
3
National Quality Standard
Early Years Learning
Framework &
Framework for
School Age Care
(or other approved learning framework)
National Quality
Standard
Assessment and
Rating Instrument
Guide to the
National Quality
Framework
Guide to
Assessment and
Rating for Services
Support
Documents
Guide to
Assessment and
Rating for Regulatory
Authorities
Guide to the
National Quality
Standard
4
Guide to
Developing a Quality
Improvement Plan
4. Resources
det.qld.gov.au / earlychildhood
• Podcasts
• FAQs
• Regulation
information
• Policies and
procedures
• A-to-Z
Thank you
Subscribe to A-Z of Early Childhood for important updates:
http://deta.qld.gov.au / earlychildhood / office / subscribe.html