National Quality Framework and Standards

The National Quality Framework and Standards set the standards for early childhood education, assessment, quality improvement and regulation.

National Quality Framework

The National Quality Framework (NQF) provides a national approach to regulation, assessment and quality improvement, where it raises quality and drives continuous improvement and consistency for early childhood education and care services across Australia.

The NQF includes:

  • Education and Care Services National Law and National Regulations
  • National Quality Standards
  • Assessment and Quality rating process
  • Approved learning frameworks

Further information can be accessed at the following websites:

  • Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority
    The ACECQA works with all governments to provide guidance, resources and services to support the sector to improve outcomes for children.
  • National Law and Regulations
    The National Law and National Regulations outline the legal obligations of approved providers, nominated supervisors, and educators and explain the powers and functions of the state and territory regulatory authorities and ACECQA.

National Quality Standards

The National Quality Standards (NQS) is part of the National Quality Framework. The NQS sets a national benchmark for the quality of education and care services and includes seven quality areas that are important to outcomes for children:

  • QA1 Educational program and practice
  • QA2 Children’s health and safety
  • QA3 Physical environment
  • QA4 Staffing arrangements
  • QA5 Relationships with children
  • QA6 Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
  • QA7 Governance and leadership

Further information can be accessed at the following websites: