Quality Improvement Fact Sheet For services funded through the Budget Based Funded (BBF) Programme This fact sheet provides an overview of the information and resources that are available to support services funded under the BBF Programme to conduct a self-assessment and develop a Quality Improvement Plan against the National Quality Standard. National Quality Framework The National Quality Framework (NQF) is an important reform which delivers a higher standard of care for children in the critical areas of education, health and safety and provides clear and comprehensive information for families so they can make informed choices about which service is best for their child. Introduced on 1 January 2012, it is a national shared vision of the Australian Government and state and territory governments. The NQF applies to Child Care Benefit approved Long Day Care, Family Day Care and Outside Schools Hours Care services. It also applies to most preschools and kindergartens. The NQF requires all providers to improve services and provide families with better information. It includes: Higher educator qualifications, to equip staff to provide the kind of activities that help children learn and develop; Improved educator to child ratios, so that each child gets the individual care and attention that they need; and More information for parents through a transparent ratings system. Services funded under the BBF Programme are currently not included under the NQF. Quality Improvement Plans for the BBF Programme The National Quality Standard is a key aspect of the NQF and it sets a national benchmark for the quality of early childhood education and care services. Under the Standard, approved services are being assessed and rated against seven Quality Areas: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Educational programme and practice Children’s health and safety Physical environment Staffing arrangements Relationships with children Collaborative partnerships with families and communities Leadership and service management Many BBF Programme service providers have indicated that they are committed to providing high quality education and care and are interested to know how the quality of the services they deliver compare to similar services that are regulated under the NQF. Service providers have also indicated that they regard the NQS to be an appropriate benchmark of quality for all services and agree that quality is particularly important where services provide education and care for vulnerable or disadvantaged children. In recognition of this, from 1 July 2014, BBF Programme service providers are required to undertake a self-assessment against the NQS and develop a Quality Improvement Plan. This will allow providers to build an understanding of the NQF and the NQS, and support providers to build on strengths and engage in continuous quality improvement. For more information on the NQS, please read the Guide to the National Quality Standard available on the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) website. Education Frameworks To meet the National Quality Standard, the Education Frameworks listed below are used to develop the educational programme in each service. It is important that staff in services funded under the BBF programme have a thorough knowledge of the Framework that applies to their service type and use that Framework to underpin all aspects of programming in the service. The Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia describes the principles, practice and outcomes essential to support and enhance young children’s learning from birth to five years of age, as well as their transition to school. For more information go to http://education.gov.au/early-years-learning-framework The Educators Guide to the Early Years Learning Framework provides additional practical ideas and support for educators to implement the Early Years Learning Framework. For more information go http://docs.education.gov.au/node/2938 The My Time, Our Place: Framework for School Age Care resource is designed to inform the development of a programme that enhances the experience and development of children aged five to 12 years through planned leisure activities. For more information go to http://education.gov.au/my-time-our-place-framework-school-age-care-australia Educators My Time, Our Place – Educators Guide to the Framework for School Age Care provides additional practical ideas and support for educators to implement the My Time, Our Place: Framework for School Age Care. For more information go to http://docs.education.gov.au/node/2940 A wide range of information and support is available from a variety of sources, including specialised training, online and print material. Service providers are encouraged to contact their Indigenous Professional Support Unit or Professional Support Coordinator for advice and guidance in selecting appropriate supports to undertake self -assessment. Quality Area 1 – Educational Programme and Practice This Quality Area of the National Quality Standard focusses on ensuring that the educational programme and practice is stimulating, engaging and enhances children’s learning and development. In school age care services the programme nurtures the development of life skills and complements children’s experiences, opportunities and relationships at school, at home and in the community. To demonstrate that they meet the requirements of Quality Area 1 services gather evidence to show how they meet each of the nine elements that underpin Standard 1.1 and Standard 1.2 of the National Quality Standard. For more information read the Guide to the National Quality Standard at http://www.acecqa.gov.au/national-quality-framework/the-national-quality-standard The documents and websites listed below are a selection of available resources that may assist services to understand Quality Area 1 of the National Quality Standard. Cultural Connections Booklet - This resource focusses on respect for diversity and cultural competence. For more information please go to Child Australia at http://www.childaustralia.org.au/ or for a copy of the booklet go to http://childaustralia.org.au/Resources/Cultural-Connections-Handbook.aspx How to Series - Effective Curriculum Planning and Documentation Methods in Education and Care Services – This resource offers ideas and guidance to assist educators in developing their curriculum and documentation practices. For more information please go to the Professional Support Coordinator Alliance website at http://www.pscalliance.org.au or go to directly to the How to Series or for a copy of the booklet http://server05.calyx.net.au:8080/pscads/bitstream/handle/123456789/173/How-to-CurriculumWEB.pdf?sequence=1 Indigenous Professional Support Unit Western Australia – The website provides links to monthly newsletters which contain information on resources, profiles on services and upcoming events. For more information go to http://www.ipsuwa.org.au/about/newsletter.php Road Map – Useful Resources for the NQS 1 - Curriculum and Assessment. For more information please go to Child Australia at http://www.childaustralia.org.au/ or directly to http://www.childaustralia.org.au/Useful-Links/NQF-Road-Maps/NQF-Road-Maps/NQS1/RoadMap_NQS1_Curriculum-Assessment.aspx for a copy of this resource. Road Map – Useful Resources for the NQS 1 – Environments for Educational Programmes and Practice. For more information visit the Child Australia website at http://www.childaustralia.org.au/ or go directly to http://www.childaustralia.org.au/UsefulLinks/NQF-Road-Maps/NQF-Road-Maps/NQS1/RoadMap_NQS1_EnvironmentsEducationalProgrammes-Prac.aspx for a copy of this resource. Quality Area 2 – Children’s Health and Safety This Quality Area of the National Quality Standard focusses on safeguarding and promoting children’s health and safety. To meet the requirements of Quality Area 2 services gather evidence to show how they meet each of the ten elements that underpin Standard 2.1, Standard 2.2 and Standard 2.3 of the National Quality Standard. For more information please read the Guide to the National Quality Standard at http://www.acecqa.gov.au/national-quality-framework/the-national-quality-standard The documents and websites listed below are a selection of available resources that may assist services to understand Quality Area 2 of the National Quality Standard. Online Resources Healthy Jarjums make Healthy Food Choices - This resource is designed to assist early childhood professionals implement activities and teach young children about foods that are good for their bodies. For more information please go to the Queensland Health website at http://www.health.qld.gov.au or for a copy of this resource go directly to http://www.health.qld.gov.au/iihs/docs/jarjums-intro.pdf How to Series – Work Health and Safety in Education and Care Services – This resource aims to help educators reflect on their current Work Health Safety policies and procedures, and risk management practices. For more information please visit the Child Australia website at http://www.childaustralia.org.au/ or go directly to http://server05.calyx.net.au:8080/pscads/bitstream/handle/123456789/195/workhealthandsafetyWEB.pdf?sequence=1 How to Series – Promoting Healthy Eating and Nutrition in Education and Care Services – This resource aims to provide educators with practical information and best practice guidelines on healthy eating habits and good nutrition for children in education and care services. For more information please go to the Professional Support Coordinator Alliance website at www.pscalliance.org.au/ or go directly to http://server05.calyx.net.au:8080/pscads/bitstream/handle/123456789/196/PromotingHealthyEatingWEB.pdf?sequence=1 for a copy of this resource. Munch & Move - Offers training and resources to educators working in early childhood education and care services. The training aims to assist educators to implement a fun, play-based approach to supporting healthy eating and physical activity habits in young children. For a copy of this resource please go to http://www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au/campaigns-programs/about-munch-move.aspx on the Healthy Kids NSW Government website at http://www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au/ National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect – Provides resources and information on preventing child abuse and neglect. For more information please go to http://www.napcan.org.au/ Road Map: Useful resources for NQS 2 – Health, Safety and Hygiene. For more information please go to the Child Australia website at http://www.childaustralia.org.au/ or go directly to http://www.childaustralia.org.au/Useful-Links/NQF-Road-Maps/NQF-Road-Maps/NQS2/RoadMap_NQS2_HealthSafety-Hygiene.aspx for a copy of this resource. SIDS and Kids Northern Territory – Provides resources and information on safe sleeping practices for babies and toddlers. For more information please go to http://www.sidsandkids.org/offices/northern-territory/ Staying Healthy: Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services (5th Edition) – Provides information on hygiene, immunisation and exclusion of children with an illness. For more information go to http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines/publications/ch55 The Early Years Learning Framework – Supervision and Safety – This fact sheet discusses risks and the importance of safety and supervision to ensure children have a strong sense of wellbeing. For more information please go to the Indigenous Professional Support Unit Western Australia website at http://www.ipsuwa.org.au/. Quality Area 3 – Physical Environment This quality area of the National Quality Standard focusses on the physical environment and ensuring it is safe, suitable and provides a rich and diverse range of experiences that promote children’s learning and development. To meet the requirements of Quality Area 3 services gather evidence to show how they meet each of the seven elements that underpin Standard 3.1, Standard 3.2 and Standard 3.3 of the National Quality Standard. For more information read the Guide to the National Quality Standards at http://www.acecqa.gov.au/national-quality-framework/the-national-quality-standard The documents and websites listed below are a selection of available resources that may assist services to understand Quality Area 3 of the National Quality Standard. Online Resources An environment for learning – The newsletter explores how physical environments support and enhance children’s learning, through enabling positive relationships and effective communication. For more information please go to Early Childhood Australia at http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/ or go to http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/NQS_PLP_ENewsletter_No30.pdf for a copy of this newsletter. My Child articles – The website contains links to articles on creating environments to support learning. For more information please visit Early Childhood Australia http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/ or go directly to http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/resources/free-articles/ Eingana community gardens project –The Eingana Garden Project is a health and play programme enhancing the wellbeing of preschool children while promoting links between the preschool centre and the broader community. For more information visit the project’s website Gunawirra at http://gunawirra.org.au/ or go directly to http://gunawirra.org.au/projects/eingana-communitygardens/ Environment makeover. National Quality Standard ideas to actions. This documentary documents a service’s development and implementation of a working Quality Improvement Plan focused on aspects of Quality Area 3: Physical Environment. For more information please go to Early Childhood Australia at http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/environmentmakeover/about/ Environments for Belonging, Being and Becoming - How does the physical environment contribute to children’s learning? Learning environments are one of the key practices outlined in the Early Years Learning Framework. For more information please go to Early Childhood Australia at http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/ or go directly to http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/e-learning-videos/talking-aboutpractice/environments-for-belonging-being-and-becoming/ How to Series – Create a Perfect Play Space – This resource encourages educators to think creatively about how to use existing space, materials and resources to provide quality inclusive play opportunities and learning experiences. For more information please go to Professional Support Coordinator Alliance at http://www.pscalliance.org.au/or go directly to Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.http://server05.calyx.net.au:8080/pscads/bitstream/handle/123456789/28/how%20to%20series%20%20create%20the%20perfect%20play%20space%20%20learning%20environments%20for%20young%20children.pdf?sequence=1 Opportunities for learning in natural spaces – This video shows children learning outdoors in a group setting. For more information please go to Early Childhood Australia at http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/ or directly to http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/e-learning-videos/connecting-with-practiceeylf-nqs/vignette-opportunities-for-learning-in-natural-spaces/ Road Map: Useful Resources for NQS 3 – Inclusions within the Physical Environment. For more information please go to Child Australia at http://www.childaustralia.org.au/ or go directly to http://www.childaustralia.org.au/Useful-Links/NQF-Road-Maps/NQF-Road-Maps/NQS3/RoadMap_NQS3_InclusionsWithinPhysicalEnvironment.aspx Road Map: Useful Resources for NQS 3 – Physical Environment Design. For more information please go to Child Australia at http://www.childaustralia.org.au/or go directly to http://www.childaustralia.org.au/Useful-Links/NQF-Road-Maps/NQF-Road-Maps/NQS3/RoadMap_NQS3_PhysicalEnvironmentDesign.aspx. The Early Years Learning Framework – Active Learning Environments – The Fact Sheet provides suggestions on how educators can create active learning environments that encourage children to explore and investigate. For more information please go to the Indigenous Professional Support Unit Western Australia website at http://www.ipsuwa.org.au/ Quality Area 4 – Staffing Arrangements This quality area of the National Quality Standard focusses on the provision of qualified and experienced educators, co-ordinators and nominated and experienced supervisors. These supervisors are able to develop warm, respectful relationships with children, create safe and predictable environments and encourage children’s active engagement in the learning programme. For more information read the Guide to the National Quality Standard at http://www.acecqa.gov.au/national-quality-framework/the-national-quality-standard To meet the requirements of Quality Area 4 services gather evidence to show how they meet each of the four elements that underpin Standard 4.1 and Standard 4.2 of the National Quality Standard. The documents and websites listed below are a selection of available resources that may assist services to understand Quality Area 4 of the National Quality Standard. Online Resources Employment practices – a link to quality – The newsletter explores the importance of continuity of employment. For more information please go to Early Childhood Australia at http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/ or go directly to http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NQS_PLP_ENewsletter_No54.pdf. Road Map: Useful Resources for NQS 4 – Staffing Arrangements. For more information please go to Child Australia at http://www.childaustralia.org.au/ or go directly to http://www.childaustralia.org.au/Useful-Links/NQF-Road-Maps/NQF-Road-Maps/NQS4/RoadMap_NQS4_StaffingArrangements.aspx. Staffing for Quality – The newsletter explores aspects of staffing in early education and care settings that impact on the quality of experience for young children. For more information please go to Early Childhood Australia at http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/ or go directly to Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/enewsletters/newsletters-31-35/newsletter-32/ The Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics - For more information please go to Early Childhood Australia at http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/or go directly to http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/code_of_ethics.html. Print Resources The Code of Ethics: A guide for everyday practice – The Guide provides a practical analysis of Early Childhood Australia's Code of Ethics. It explores the Code's importance to children, families, colleagues, communities, students, employers, the conduct of research and the profession itself. The Guide can be ordered from http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/details.cfm?prodid=637. Quality Area 5 – Relationships with Children This quality area of the National Quality Standard focusses on relationships with children being responsive, respectful and promoting children’s sense of security and belonging. Relationships of this kind free children to explore the environment and engage in play and learning. To meet the requirements of Quality Area 5 services gather evidence to show how they meet each of the six elements that underpin Standard 5.1 and Standard 5.2 of the National Quality Standard. For more information read the Guide to the National Quality Standards at http://www.acecqa.gov.au/national-quality-framework/the-national-quality-standard The documents and websites listed below are a selection of available resources that may assist services to understand Quality Area 5 of the National Quality Standard. Online Resources Engaging with babies and toddlers – The video shows babies and toddlers in a group setting interacting with educators and engaging in a range of play and learning experiences. For more information please go to Early Childhood Australia at http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/ or go directly to http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/e-learning-videos/connectingwith-practice-eylf-nqs/vignette-engaging-with-babies-and-toddlers/. Protective Behaviours WA – The programme seeks to prevent child abuse by providing greater awareness and understanding; as well as providing the tools and strategies for individuals, organisations, parents, families and communities to address and deal with child protection issues. More information is available at http://www.protectivebehaviourswa.org.au/ Relationships with children – The newsletter explores the importance of relationships between educators and children. For more information please go to Early Childhood Australia at http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/or go directly to http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/NQS_PLP_ENewsletter_No36.pdf. Respecting and responding to children – The video shows an educator responding to children’s interests, giving choices and exploring reasonable solutions. For more information please go to Early Childhood Australia at http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/or go directly to http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/e-learning-videos/connecting-with-practiceeylf-nqs/respecting-and-responding-to-children/. Road Map: Useful resources for NQS 5 – Relationships with Children. For more information please go to Child Australia at http://www.childaustralia.org.au/ or go directly to http://www.childaustralia.org.au/Useful-Links/NQF-Road-Maps/NQF-Road-Maps/NQS5-(1)/RoadMap_NQS5_RelationshipsWithChildren.aspx. Theorist and Theories - What we learned from them – The website provides an overview of key theories and how they are reflected in practice. For more information please go to the Indigenous Professional Support Unit Western Australia website at http://www.ipsuwa.org.au The Early Years Learning Framework – Principle 4: Respect for Diversity – The fact Sheets provides advice. For more information please go to the Indigenous Professional Support Unit Western Australia website at http://www.ipsuwa.org.au/ The Early Years Learning Framework – Principles: Secure Respectful and Reciprocal Relationships – The Fact Sheet discusses how educators can establish safe and supportive relationships. For more information please go to the Indigenous Professional Support Unit Western Australia website at http://www.ipsuwa.org.au/ Quality Area 6 – Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities This quality area of the National Quality Standard focusses on collaborative relationships with families that are fundamental to achieving quality outcomes for children. It also examines community partnerships that are based on active communication, consultation and collaboration. To meet the requirements of Quality Area 6 services gather evidence to show how they meet each of the nine elements that underpin Standard 6.1, Standard 6.2 and Standard 6.3 of the National Quality Standard. For more information read the Guide to the National Quality Standards at http://www.acecqa.gov.au/national-quality-framework/the-national-quality-standard The documents and websites listed below are a selection of available resources that may assist services to understand Quality Area 6 of the National Quality Standard. Online Resources How to Series – Build Strong Partnerships with Families – This resource is designed to help educators understand some of the key concepts that underpin strong relationships with families. It also provides practical suggestions and ideas on how to build effective partnerships with families. For more information please go to the Professional Support Coordinator Alliance website at http://www.pscalliance.org.au/ or go directly to Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.http://server05.calyx.net.au:8080/pscads/bitstream/handle/123456789/170/BuildingStrongPartnershipWEB.pdf?sequence=1. How to Series – Plan Effective Transitions in Education and Care Services – This resource aims to assist educators in supporting children’s transitions to their service, within the service and between room / age specific areas. It also offers ideas and suggestions for practice. For more information please go to the Professional Support Coordinator Alliance website at http://www.pscalliance.org.au or go directly to http://server05.calyx.net.au:8080/pscads/bitstream/handle/123456789/172/How_to_TransitionWEB.pdf?sequence=2. Partnerships with families – The video features educators discussing the the importance of collaborating with families, and what it means to act in partnership with families. For more information please go to Early Childhood Australia at http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/ or go directly to http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/e-learning-videos/talkingabout-practice/partnerships-with-families/. Road Map: Useful Resources for NQS 6 - Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities – For more information please go to Child Australia at http://www.childaustralia.org.au/ doesn’t work or go directly to at http://www.childaustralia.org.au/Useful-Links/NQF-Road-Maps/NQFRoad-Maps/NQS6/Road-Map_NQS6_CollaborativePartnershipsWithFamilie.aspx. Collaborative partnerships with families – The Fact Sheet discuss the importance of collaborative partnerships and suggestions practices to establish strong partnerships. For more information please go to Early Childhood Australia at http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/ or go directly to http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/NQS_PLP_ENewsletter_No35.pdf. Community engagement – The Fact Sheet looks at what community engagement looks like in different communities. For more information please go to Early Childhood Australia at http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/ or go directly to http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/NQS_PLP_ENewsletter_No47.pdf. Families as First Teachers-Indigenous Parenting Support Services Programme – The Programme builds family knowledge of early learning through active engagement in quality early childhood education programmes. The website contains newsletters, resource books, pamphlets and posters. For more information please go to the Northern Territory Department of Education and Children’s Services website at http://www.education.nt.gov.au/ or go directly to http://www.education.nt.gov.au/parents-community/early-childhood-services/families-as-firstteachers-program Quality Area 7 – Leadership and Service Management This quality area of the National Quality Standard focusses on effective leadership and management of the service that contributes to quality environments for children’s learning and development. Well documented policies and procedures, well-maintained records, shared values, clear direction and reflective practices enable the service to function as a learning community. An ongoing cycle of planning and review, including engagement with families, creates the climate for continuous improvement. To meet the requirements of Quality Area 7 services gather evidence to show how they meet each of the eleven elements that underpin Standard 7.1, Standard 7.2 and Standard 7.3 of the National Quality Standard. For more information read the Guide to the National Quality Standards at http://www.acecqa.gov.au/national-quality-framework/the-national-quality-standard The documents and websites listed below are a selection of available resources that may assist services to understand Quality Area 7 of the National Quality Standard. Online Resources How to Series – How to develop and update policies successfully (without the stress) – This resource provides educators with practical support in developing policies and procedures. For more information please go to the Professional Support Coordinator Alliance website at http://www.pscalliance.org.au/ or go directly to http://server05.calyx.net.au:8080/pscads/bitstream/handle/123456789/171/how%20to%20series%20PoliciesWEB.pdf?sequence=1 Planning and documentation – This video features three educators discussing how they implement all the steps of the planning cycle, despite working in different settings. For more information please go to Early Childhood Australia at http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/ or go directly to http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/e-learning-videos/talking-aboutpractice/planning-and-documentation/. Road Map: Useful Resources for NQS 7 – Leadership and Service Management. For more information please go to Child Australia at http://www.childaustralia.org.au/ or directly http://www.childaustralia.org.au/Useful-Links/NQF-Road-Maps/NQF-RoadMaps/NQS7/Road-Map_NQS7_Leadership-ServiceManagement.aspx . Talking about practice – This video features a coordinator of a large community-based child care centre discuss her ideas about self-assessment and reflection, how the centre supports these processes and some of the outcomes from this professional activity. For more information please go to Early Childhood Australia at http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/ or go directly to http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/e-learning-videos/talking-about-practice/selfassessment-reflective-practice-and-quality-improvement-processes/. The Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics. For more information please go to Early Childhood Australia at http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au or go directly to http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/code_of_ethics.html Supporting Professional Development in Integrated context – This resource is designed to support educators in existing integrated services and those working towards greater integration. For more information please go to the Lady Gowrie Tasmania website at http://www.gowrie-tas.com.au/ or directly to http://www.psctas.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/supporting-professionaldevelopment-in-integrated-context-web-Final.pdf. For more information please go to the Indigenous Professional Support Unit Western Australia website at http://www.ipsuwa.org.au/