ACECQA’s sixth NQF annual performance report showcases the children’s education and care sector

Today the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), in collaboration with all governments, released the sixth Annual Performance Report on the National Quality Framework (NQF). The report shows, for the first time, 88% of education and care services are rated Meeting National Quality Standard (NQS) or above.

“The high proportion of services rated Meeting or Exceeding the NQS is a reflection of concerted efforts of service providers, teachers and educators to improve their programs and practice for the benefit of children,” said ACECQA CEO Gabrielle Sinclair. “This result is even more impressive when you consider only 57% of services were meeting the standard when quality ratings were first published in 2013”.

This year marks several important milestones and achievements for the NQF, including the 10 year anniversary of this regulatory system – an internationally recognised, outcomes-based framework for the children’s education and care sector.

This year’s report focuses on children’s health and safety, educational program and practice, children from vulnerable and disadvantaged backgrounds, workforce, and service provider perceptions of the NQF. It shows the continuous improvement the NQF aims to foster is occurring across all seven quality areas of the NQS.

Other highlights include the release of the National Workforce Strategy and accompanying Implementation and Evaluation Plan, which address critical and longstanding workforce issues.

There are around 17,000 services approved education and care services in Australia. These comprise long day care, outside school hours care and family day care services, as well as most preschools and kindergartens. The high national standards and requirements set by the NQF for providers of approved services give parents and families assurance of quality education and care.