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National Quality Agenda

National Quality Framework

The National Quality Framework provides a national approach to the regulation, assessment and continuous improvement of early childhood education and care services across Australia, including family day care.

The National Quality Framework includes:

  • the Education and Care Services National Law
  • the Education and Care Services National Regulations
  • the National Quality Standard
  • an assessment and quality rating process
  • the nationally approved learning frameworks
  • regulatory authorities in each state and territory
  • ACECQA as the national authority supporting consistent implementation of the framework.

Key National Quality Framework Resources

National Quality Standard

The National Quality Standard sets a national benchmark for the quality of education and care services. It contains seven quality areas:

  1. Educational program and practice
  2. Children’s health and safety
  3. Physical environment
  4. Staffing arrangements
  5. Relationships with children
  6. Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
  7. Governance and leadership

Family day care services are assessed and rated against the National Quality Standard. The quality areas also support approved providers, services, coordinators and educators to reflect on practice, identify areas for improvement and promote positive outcomes for children.

Approved Learning Frameworks

The approved learning frameworks support educators to design, deliver and evaluate educational programs that promote children’s learning, development and wellbeing.

The two nationally approved learning frameworks are:

For links to the National Law and National Regulations, regulatory authorities and screening requirements, visit our Regulations page.