Quality and innovation continue to rise in children’s education and care sector

Today the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), in collaboration with all governments, released the fifth Annual Performance Report on the National Quality Framework (NQF).

This year's report highlights continuous improvement across all seven quality areas of the NQS.

“The rise in the proportion of services rated Meeting NQS, from 56% in 2013 to 86% in 2021, is quite remarkable,” said ACECQA CEO Gabrielle Sinclair.

“This reflects the consistent, coordinated efforts of service providers, teachers and educators to improve their programs and practice”. 

In 2021, education and care service providers and staff demonstrated significant resilience, commitment and innovation during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The report showcases some innovative programs and practices introduced as part of remote and blended learning environments.

The report finds public awareness of the NQF and the quality rating system continues to increase. It also identifies sector-wide challenges, such as workforce sustainability and educator wellbeing, and initiatives intended to address these issues including a new ten‑year national workforce strategy to support the recruitment, retention, sustainability and quality of the sector workforce.

Education and care services approved under the NQF include long day care, outside school hours care and family day care services, as well as most preschools/ kindergartens.

High national standards expected of approved services can give parents and families assurance of quality early childhood education and care.