Guide to the National Quality Framework

The guide to the National Quality Framework is a must for all education and care services.

It's last updated version is 636 pages of support and guidance to be used in conjunction with the Education and Care Services National Law, and the Education and Care Services National Regulations.

There are 7 sections in the guide:

Section 1 - Introduction

Section 2 - Applications and approvals

Section 3 - National Quality Standard and Assessment and rating

Section 4 - Operational requirements

Section 5 - Regulatory authority powers

Section 6 - Reviews

Section 7 - Glossary

Let's look at how this guide can help an education and care service.

If we target one section in the guide, Section 3 - National Quality Standard and Assessment and rating, we can see how useful this guide is.

Each service must have a Quality Improvement Plan in place (QIP) - this identifies areas for improvement for each area of the NQF.

Ongoing self-assessment against the NQF drives improvement and is essential to providing quality outcomes for children.

Section 3 goes through each of the seven quality areas of the NQF, and offers guidance by:

• Breaking down the standard and it's aim

• Giving questions to guide reflection on practice

• Advising what Assessors may observe and discuss whilst completing a A&R

• Exceeding guidance

Such useful information for education and care services.