National Quality Standard  The National Quality Standard (or NQS) is the benchmark for the quality of Early Childhood Education & Care in Australia (part of the National Quality Framework (NQF)). The National Quality Standard aims to promote:   The National Quality Standard (NQS) is a key aspect of the NQF. The NQS consists of seven quality areas, each containing standards and elements, that children's education and care services are assessed and rated against. The seven quality areas covered by the National Quality Standard are: