Ratings review panel’s considerations The discussion focussed on whether the available evidence panel’s demonstrated the service was using routines to maximise learning. children’s The panel found there was limited evidence within the assessment and rating report that routines were being used as learning experiences, and the evidence that was recorded by the authorised officer indicated narrow opportunities for children to make choices. The panel found the evidence indicated activities were not focused on individual needs but that the program, particularly routines, were children’s adult directed, with educators observed interrupting activities and leaving children to undertake other tasks, ignoring opportunities for spontaneous learning and flexibility. While the service contested these observations, the panel did not believe there was enough evidence to support the claims that routines were service’s appropriately child-led and allowed the exercise of choice. The panel also found the claim for special circumstances (given the attendance of a special guest and attendance by the weekly and team and music teacher) was “Learn Grow” not warranted, observing that weekly classes should not unduly disturb the procedures. service’s The panel found the authorised observations for the element to be officer’s thorough, including the citing of multiple examples from the evidence where activities were interrupted and learning opportunities were missed, and where children were asked to do something but then elsewhere against their wishes. The panel concluded there was not evidence that the program is organised to maximise learning and that the element should remain at not met. children’s Given the panel decided that Element 1.1.3 is Not met, a rating of Exceeding for Standard 1.1 could not be considered. The rating for Standard 1.1 and Quality Area 1 remains at Working towards NQS. Standard 3.1 Standard 3.1 is that: The design and location of the premises is appropriate for the operation of a service. This standard is comprised of three elements, one of which 3.1.1 is under – – review. Element 3.1.1 Element 3.1.1 is that: Outdoor and indoor spaces, buildings, furniture, equipment, facilities and resources are suitable for their purpose.
Ratings review panel’s considerations The panel’s discussion focussed on whether the available evidence demonstrated the service was using routines to maximise children’s learning. The panel found there was limited evidence within the assessment and rating report that routines were being used as learning experiences, and the evidence that was recorded by the authorised officer indicated narrow opportunities for children to make choices. The panel found the evidence indicated activities were not focused on individual children’s needs but that the program, particularly routines, were adult directed, with educators observed interrupting activities and leaving children to undertake other tasks, ignoring opportunities for spontaneous learning and flexibility. While the service contested these observations, the panel did not believe there was enough evidence to support the service’s claims that routines were appropriately child-led and allowed the exercise of choice. The panel also found the claim for special circumstances (given the attendance of a special guest and attendance by the weekly “Learn and Grow” team and music teacher) was not warranted, observing that weekly classes should not unduly disturb the service’s procedures. The panel found the authorised officer’s observations for the element to be thorough, including the citing of multiple examples from the evidence where activities were interrupted and learning opportunities were missed, and where children were asked to do something but then elsewhere against their wishes. The panel concluded there was not evidence that the program is organised to maximise children’s learning and that the element should remain at not met. Given the panel decided that Element 1.1.3 is Not met, a rating of Exceeding for Standard 1.1 could not be considered. The rating for Standard 1.1 and Quality Area 1 remains at Working towards NQS. Standard 3.1 Standard 3.1 is that: The design and location of the premises is appropriate for the operation of a service. This standard is comprised of three elements, one of which – 3.1.1 – is under review. Element 3.1.1 Element 3.1.1 is that: Outdoor and indoor spaces, buildings, furniture, equipment, facilities and resources are suitable for their purpose.
STR0029_decisionnotice_de-identified.docx