Quality Area 7 – Governance and leadership

Introduction

The aim of Quality Area 7 under the National Quality Standard is to support effective leadership and management of the service that contributes to quality environments for children’s learning and development. Well-documented policies and procedures, well-maintained records, shared values, clear direction and reflective practices enable the service to function as a learning community.

An ongoing cycle of planning and review, including engagement with families, creates a setting for continuous improvement.

Governance and Leadership

Standard 7.1GovernanceGovernance supports the operation of a quality service.
Element 7.1.1Service philosophy and purposeA statement of philosophy guides all aspects of the service’s operations.
Element 7.1.2Management SystemsSystems are in place to manage risk and enable the effective management and operation of a quality service.
Element 7.1.3Roles and responsibilitiesRoles and responsibilities are clearly defined, and understood, and support effective decision making and operation of the service.
Standard 7.2Leadership Effective leadership builds and promotes a positive organisational culture and professional learning community.
Element 7.2.1Continuous improvementThere is an effective self-assessment and quality improvement process in place.
Element 7.2.2Educational leadershipThe educational leader is supported and leads the development and implementation of the educational program and assessment and planning cycle.
Element 7.2.3Development of professionals Educators, co-ordinators and staff members’ performance is regularly evaluated and individual plans are in place to support learning and development.

Information sheet: Practical ideas to support continuous quality improvement – ACECQA

Leading learning circles for educators engaged in study – Jennifer Cartmel et al. 

NQS PLP e-Newsletter: Revising the service philosophy – Commonwealth of Australia

Self-assessment Tool – ACECQA

Governance

Disability Standards for Education for early childhood (prior to school) course – NCCD

How to develop and update policies successfully (without the stress) – Child Australia

How to generate family involvement in service management – Community Child Care

Information sheet: Quality Area 7 – Reviewing your service philosophy – ACECQA

Information sheet: Quality Area 7 – Using complaints to support continuous improvement – ACECQA

Policy tip sheet: Ensuring policies are consistently implemented – PSC Alliance

Who knows what about me? – Children’s Commissioner for England

Leadership

Information sheet: Quality Area 7 – Supporting performance and the development of professionals – ACECQA

Assessing the quality of early childhood education and care – The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne

Information sheet: Quality Area 7 – Educational leadership and team building – ACECQA

Information sheet: Quality Area 7 – The role of the educational leader – ACECQA

Inspiring leadership in early childhood – Early Childhood Australia

Integrated early years provision in Australia – PSC Alliance / Charles Sturt University

Leading excellent pedagogy and practice in children’s services – Health and Community Services Workforce Council

Leadership in education and care – Laurie Kelly

New role, new conversations: A school leader’s guide – AITSL

Transformational leadership – Gowrie Professional Support Coordinator