NQF were transitioned to the new approvals system by their Regulatory Authority without reapplication. The National Quality Standard The NQS created a uniform approach to assessment and ratings for ECEC services and rates services across seven areas’ (box F.4). These quality areas are divided into ‘quality 18 containing elements’, for example: ‘standards’ ‘58 Standard 2.2 Healthy eating and physical activity are embedded in the program for — children is one of three standards in quality area 2 and contains two elements: — Element 2.2.1 Healthy eating is promoted and food and drinks provided by the — service are nutritious and appropriate for each child. Element 2.2.2 Physical activity is promoted through planned and spontaneous — experiences and is appropriate for each Each quality area contains two or standards and each standard is made up of between one and six elements. Several key aspects of the NQS Quality Improvement Plans, educatortochild ratios and — staff qualification requirements are discussed in further detail below. — Quality Improvement Plans The National Regulations require approved service to develop a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP). Developing a QIP is a core requirement of the NQF that requires each service to evaluate their current practices and conduct a selfassessment against the NQS, but is not a specific element within the NQS. A QIP must: assess current practices against the National Regulations and the NQS identify areas for improvement formulate strategies to address areas identified as needing improvement contain a statement the philosophy of the service. Services must submit a QIP to their state or territory’s Regulatory Authority each time they are assessed. The QIP must be revised at least annually and be available to families and the Regulatory Authority at all times. Box F.4 The seven quality areas of the National Quality Standard
NQF were transitioned to the new approvals system by their Regulatory Authority without reapplication. The National Quality Standard The NQS created a uniform approach to assessment and ratings for ECEC services and rates services across seven ‘quality areas’ (box F.4). These quality areas are divided into 18 ‘standards’ containing ‘58 elements’, for example: Standard 2.2 — Healthy eating and physical activity are embedded in the program for children — is one of three standards in quality area 2 and contains two elements: Element 2.2.1 — Healthy eating is promoted and food and drinks provided by the service are nutritious and appropriate for each child. Element 2.2.2 — Physical activity is promoted through planned and spontaneous experiences and is appropriate for each Each quality area contains two or standards and each standard is made up of between one and six elements. Several key aspects of the NQS — Quality Improvement Plans, educatortochild ratios and staff qualification requirements — are discussed in further detail below. Quality Improvement Plans The National Regulations require approved service to develop a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP). Developing a QIP is a core requirement of the NQF that requires each service to evaluate their current practices and conduct a selfassessment against the NQS, but is not a specific element within the NQS. A QIP must: assess current practices against the National Regulations and the NQS identify areas for improvement formulate strategies to address areas identified as needing improvement contain a statement the philosophy of the service. Services must submit a QIP to their state or territory’s Regulatory Authority each time they are assessed. The QIP must be revised at least annually and be available to families and the Regulatory Authority at all times. Box F.4 The seven quality areas of the National Quality Standard