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Information on the National Quality Framework February 2012 National Quality Framework

National Quality Framework

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National Quality Framework. Information on the National Quality Framework February 2012. Welcome. Session 1. Overview of the National Quality Framework Session 2. National Law and National Regulations Session 3. Assessment and Rating Process - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Page 1: National Quality Framework

Information on the National Quality Framework

February 2012

National Quality Framework

Page 2: National Quality Framework

Session 1. Overview of the National Quality Framework

Session 2. National Law and National Regulations

Session 3. Assessment and Rating ProcessSession 4. Operational Requirements including

National Quality StandardSession 5. Sector Support and Resources

Welcome

Page 3: National Quality Framework

Overview of the National

Quality Framework

Session 1

www.acecqa.gov.au

Page 4: National Quality Framework

To ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of

children attending education and care services

To improve the educational and developmental

outcomes for children attending education and

care services

Objectives of the National Quality Framework

Page 5: National Quality Framework

The rights and best interests of the child are paramount

Children are successful, competent and capable learners

Equity, inclusion and diversity underpin the Framework

Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are

valued

The role of parents and families is respected and supported

Best practice is expected in the provision of education and

care services

Guiding principles of the National Quality Framework

Page 6: National Quality Framework

The National Quality Framework includes:

o a new national legislative framework

o the National Quality Standard

o an assessment and rating system

o a Regulatory Authority in each State and Territory

o the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality

Authority (ACECQA).

National Quality Framework

Page 7: National Quality Framework

The Board appointments are as follows:

o Chief Executive Officer - Karen Curtis

o Chairperson - Rachel Hunter

o Deputy Chairperson - Prof. Collette Tayler

Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority

Board members: Tracey Bradley Mark Brown

Prof. Allison Elliott Gayle Ginnane Tonia Godhard AM

Prof .Pauline Harris Susan Lines Michael Manthorpe

June McLoughlin Amanda Morphett Anne Reddell

www.acecqa.gov.au

Page 8: National Quality Framework

• Each State and Territory has appointed a Regulatory

Authority.

• The Regulatory Authority:o provides advice and guidance about the National Quality Framework to

services and the community

o administers the National Quality Framework

o assesses approved education and care services against the National

Quality Standard and the Regulations and determines the ratings of those

services

o monitors and enforces compliance

o receives and investigates notifications of serious incidents and complaints.

Regulatory Authorities

Page 9: National Quality Framework

The Regulatory Authority in Victoria is the

Department of Education and Early Childhood

Development

The newly formed Quality Assessment and Regulation

Division will:

o encompass all previous regional children’s services teams

o coordinate all service approval functions

o monitor the assessment and ratings processes against the

NQF

o implement policy and support Authorised Officers.

The Regulatory Authority

Page 10: National Quality Framework

Regulatory tools include:

o monitoring compliance

o undertaking assessment and rating visits

o undertaking a schedule of visits, announced,

unannounced, random, and targeted campaigns

o investigating notifications

o compliance action.

Monitoring and enforcement

Page 11: National Quality Framework

Map of the National Quality Framework and resources

www.acecqa.gov.au

Page 12: National Quality Framework

National Law and National Regulations

Session 2

Page 13: National Quality Framework

National Law

Education and Care Services National Law Act

2010

National Regulations

Education and Care Services National

Regulations 2011

National Quality Standard

National legislative framework

Page 14: National Quality Framework

Any service providing or intending toprovide education and care on a regularbasis to children under the age of 13 years

which INCLUDES:o preschools (kindergartens)

o long day care

o outside school hours care

o family day care services.

Services covered by the National Law

Page 15: National Quality Framework

Services excluded by the National Law

A school providing full-time education to children, including children attending in the year before grade 1 but not including a preschool program delivered in a school or a preschool that is registered at a school

Preschool programs delivered in a school if(i) the program is delivered in a class or classes where a full-time

education program is also being delivered; and

(ii) the program is being delivered to fewer than 6 children in the school Personal arrangements A service principally conducted to provide instruction is a

particular activity e.g. dance classes, homework clubs A service providing education and care to patients in a

hospital or patients of a medical or therapeutic care service Care provided under a child protection law

Page 16: National Quality Framework

In Victoria this means:

o limited hours or short term licence services

o occasional care services providing ad hoc care

o early childhood intervention services

o mobile services

o some school holiday care programs

o budget-based funded services without CCB.

These services continue to operate under the Victorian

children’s services legislation.

Services excluded by the National Regulations

Page 17: National Quality Framework

Transition - National Quality Framework

• Approved providerLicensee

• Person with management or controlRepresentative

• Nominated supervisorPrimary nominee

• Certified supervisorApproved nominee

• Approved serviceLicensed service

Page 18: National Quality Framework

The new approval system has replaced the current

licensing system for services operating under the

National Law

There are three inter-related approval processes:

1. Provider approval

2. Service approval

3. Supervisor Certificate.

The national approval system

Page 19: National Quality Framework

Provider approval is a national ongoing approval to

operate services

Allows a provider to apply for one or more service

approvals in any jurisdiction

An individual applicant must meet fit and proper

requirements

If not an individual, each person in management or

control must meet fit and proper requirements

Provider approval

Page 20: National Quality Framework

Responsible personscentre-based services

Responsible person

At a centre-based service a responsible person must be physically present at all times

Needs to be either a :

Approved provider or person in

management and control

• Assessed and granted to a legal entity or person

with management or control that will

operate the education and care service.

Nominated supervisor

• All services must have a nominated supervisor as

part of the service approval

• A nominated supervisor must have a supervisor

certificate.

Certified supervisor

• Makes a person eligible to be put

in day-to-day charge of a service in the absence of

the approved provider or nominated supervisor.

Page 21: National Quality Framework

Family day care services must ensure that:

o an approved provider or person with management or

control; or

o a nominated supervisor; or

o a certified supervisor

is available to educators including being contactable by

phone.

Family day carestaffing requirements

Page 22: National Quality Framework

There are two types of service approvals:

o centre-based services includes: long day care,

preschool or kindergarten and outside school hours

care services

o family day care services.

An annual fee applies

Existing licenses must be displayed whilst awaiting

service approval.

Service approval

Page 23: National Quality Framework

Provisions have been made under the National Law

for associated services

The National Law contains provisions for an

associated service to operate under one Service

Approval

Associated services will continue to comply with the

Victorian children’s services legislation in relation to

the standards that apply

Associated Services

Page 24: National Quality Framework

A person to be put in day-to-day charge of the service must meet the following:o be 18 years or overo satisfy the Regulatory Authority that they are a fit and

proper person to be the supervisor of a service including mandatory criminal history information (Working with Children Check)

o the applicant must have – ― adequate knowledge and understanding of the provision of

education and care to children― the ability to effectively supervise and manage an education and

care service― the applicant must have either – ― 3 years experience or an approved diploma or early childhood

teaching qualification (not a requirement for OSHC services).

Supervisor Certificates

Page 25: National Quality Framework

The Regulatory Authority may grant a supervisor

certificate to a prescribed class of person, such as:

o a principal of a school on a school site

o a person in charge of a campus of a school that

provides an education and care service at that campus.

Supervisor Certificates

Page 26: National Quality Framework

Requires a person to hold a supervisor certificate

All services must have a nominated supervisor

The nominated supervisor is responsible with the

approved provider for compliance with the National

Law and National Regulations

Nominated Supervisor

Page 27: National Quality Framework

Assessment and Rating Process

Session 3

Page 28: National Quality Framework

Promotes continuous quality improvement Measures the aspects of quality that contribute to

better outcomes for children Places an educational lens on assessment of services

and considers pedagogy Is technically valid, robust and a consistent

assessment and rating process across Australia Provides meaningful, transparent and reliable

information to parents and families about the quality of early childhood education and care services

Ratings publicly available

Assessment and rating

Page 29: National Quality Framework

National Quality Standard

The new National Quality Standard is divided into 7 quality areas that contribute to the quality of early childhood education and care

1. Educational program and practice

2. Children’s health and safety

3. Physical environment

4. Staffing arrangements

5. Relationships with children

6. Collaborative partnerships with families and communities

7. Leadership and service management

Page 30: National Quality Framework

Rating names

Provisional ratingUntil a service is first assessed under the National Law it will have a rating of Provisional - Not yet assessed under the National Quality Framework

Rating levelsKey changes from exposure draft

Exposure draft National RegulationsExcellent Excellent rating

High Quality Exceeding National Quality Standard

National Quality Standard Meeting National Quality Standard

Foundation Working Towards National Quality Standard

Unsatisfactory Significant Improvement Required

Page 31: National Quality Framework

Significant Improvement Required – service is not meeting the National Quality Standard and this constitutes a risk to the health safety and wellbeing of a child and the regulator is working with the service

Working Towards National Quality Standard – generally every year for a full assessment

National Quality Standard – generally every two years for a full assessment

Exceeds National Quality Standard – generally every three years for a full assessment

Excellent – generally every three years for a full assessment

Earned autonomy system

Page 32: National Quality Framework

Services are required to complete a self assessment against the National Quality Standard. This includes:o gathering information from management;

educators; families and others.

In order to develop a Quality Improvement Plan services are required to:o reflect on and evaluate practice o identify strengths and areas for

improvemento develop strategies and timelines to achieve

goals o outline the statement of philosophy of the

service.

Quality Improvement Plans

Page 33: National Quality Framework

From 30 April 2012 all existing services must have

completed a self-assessment against the National

Quality Standard and have a Quality Improvement Plan

available at the service.

o New services must submit a Quality Improvement Plan to

the Regulatory Authority within 3 months of the service

approval being granted.

o Assessment and rating visits will commence in mid June

2012.

Assessment and rating process in 2012

Page 34: National Quality Framework

Assessment and rating visits will be announced

Proposed length of visit (1-5 days)

Assessors will:

o consider compliance history

o consider the Quality Improvement Plan

o observe the programs provided on the day

o have discussion with educators and providers

o sight documentation.

Assessment and rating process

Page 35: National Quality Framework

Steps Process1. Notice to

submit QIPAdvice to providers with request to submit a Quality Improvement Plan within 6 weeks.

2. Notice of visit

Providers will receive advice that QIP has been received and notifying the date for the site visit.

3. Site visit Site visit occurs around week 12.4. Draft

assessment report

Approved provider will be sent a draft of the assessment report by week 15. The provider will have an opportunity to provide comment, and submit evidence of compliance within 10 working days.

5. Feedback considered

Feedback on report considered by Regulatory Authority (week 18).

6. Final rating Report is finalised and final rating determined. Report is sent to approved provider (week 20).

Assessment and rating process

Page 36: National Quality Framework

Operational Requirementsincluding

National Quality Standard

Session 4

Page 37: National Quality Framework

1. Educational program and practice

2. Children’s health and safety

3. Physical environment

4. Staffing arrangements

5. Relationships with children

6. Collaborative partnerships with families and communities

7. Leadership and service management

Operational Requirements and the National Quality Standard

Page 38: National Quality Framework

Approved services must provide an educational program that is:o delivered based on an approved learning framework o based on the developmental needs, interests and

experiences of each childo takes into account the individual differences of each

child. Requirements for:

o documenting child assessments or evaluationso ensure information about the educational program is

availableo providing information about the educational program to

parents on request.

Educational program and practice Quality Area 1

Educational program and

practice

Page 39: National Quality Framework

Approved National Frameworks

The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia

for educators working with children aged birth to 5

5 learning outcomes pedagogy, principles and practice

My Time, Our Place for educators working in school

aged care 5 learning outcomes Belonging, Being & Becoming

reinforced

Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework

For all professionals working with children from birth to 8 years

Quality Area 1 Educational

program and practice

Page 40: National Quality Framework

The National Law contains important provisions

relating to children’s health and safety, including:

o adequate supervision of children

o protection of children from harm and hazards

o offence to use inappropriate discipline.

Children’s health and safetyQuality Area 1

Educational program and

practice

Page 41: National Quality Framework

Ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of children including:o incidents, injury, trauma and illnesso medical conditions policy and administration of medicationo emergencies and communicationo collection of children from premises and excursionso Child Protection awareness.

For children over preschool age:o recognition of self-administration of medicine by children

over preschool ageo recognition that children may leave premises with written

authorisation.

Children’s health and safety

Quality Area 2 Children’s health

and safety

Page 42: National Quality Framework

Ensure the safety, health, and wellbeing of children

on excursions:o Undertake a risk assessment to identify and assess any

risks including hazards, transport, supervision and activity

o Parental supervision

Amended regulation:o Recognises that movement within a service premises is no

longer defined as an excursion

Excursions

Quality Area 2 Children’s health

and safety

Page 43: National Quality Framework

Many requirements focus on outcomes. For example:o equipment to be safe, clean and good repairo ensure fencing is of a height and design that children

preschool age and under cannot go through, over or under

o services which don’t have laundry facilities may meet the requirement by ensuring the services has other arrangements in place for dealing with soiled items

o removal of prohibition on swimming pools (existing bans retained in Tasmania and New South Wales)

o different requirements for outdoor space for older children.

Physical environment

Quality Area 3Physical

environment

Page 44: National Quality Framework

An existing family day care residence or venue does

not need to meet the fencing requirements of

regulation 104 until the venue or residence is

renovated

For the purpose of a rating assessment a family day

care service is taken to comply with that regulation

until 31 December 2015

Physical environment – Family Day Care

Quality Area 3Physical

environment

Page 45: National Quality Framework

Educational leadero A suitably qualified and experienced educator, co-ordinator

or other individual is designated in writing as an educational leader at the service to lead the development and implementation of educational programs in the service

Working directly with childreno For the purpose of calculating ratios educators are

physically present with the children and directly engaged in providing education and care to children

For teachers in attendance at a centre-based serviceo Is present at the service and may include working directly

with children, planning, mentoring, facilitating research, performing the role of educational leader

Staffing arrangementsnew definitions

Quality Area 4Staffing

arrangements

Page 46: National Quality Framework

Family day care educators and educator assistants on engagement or registration must hold a valid:o Working with Children Checko Criminal History Record Check

Educators in centre-based services on engagement must hold a:o Working with Children Check

Limited exceptionso Teachers with VIT registration are not required to have

a working with children checko Under 18 years

Fitness and propriety prior to engagement

Quality Area 4Staffing

arrangements

Page 47: National Quality Framework

Educator to child ratio: Family day care

Family day care service7 children at a family day care residence or venue at any one time.

No more than 4 children can be preschool age or under (including the educator’s own children if they are under 13 years of age, and there is no other adult present and caring for these children).

Children visiting a residence or venue are excluded from the maximum number of children.

In exceptional circumstances the ratios can be exceeded for example all children are siblings; if a child needs protection under child protection law or no alternative care available in a remote or rural area.

Quality Area 4Staffing

arrangements

Page 48: National Quality Framework

Children aged less than 36 months o a ratio of 1 educator to 4 childreno at least 1 of every 3 educators required to meet relevant ratios must

have at least an approved diploma level education and care qualification.

Children preschool age or under who are aged 36 months or over o a ratio of 1 educator to 15 children o at least 1 of every 2 required educators required to meet relevant

ratios must have at least an approved diploma level qualification. Children over preschool age

o a ratio of 1 educator to 15 children o at least 50 per cent of educators required to meet the relevant ratio

must have or be enrolled in and studying for at least an approved diploma level qualification

Staffing arrangements: centre-based services from 1 January 2012

Quality Area 4Staffing

arrangements

Page 49: National Quality Framework

Children aged less than 36 months o a ratio of 1 educator to 4 childreno at least 50 per cent of educators required to meet relevant ratios must

have or be actively working towards at least an approved diploma level qualification.

Children preschool age or under who are aged 36 months or over o a ratio of 1 educator to 15 children o at least 50 per cent of educators required to meet relevant ratios must

have or be actively working towards at least an approved diploma level qualification.

Children over preschool age o A ratio of 1 educator to 15 childreno at least 50 percent of educators required to meet relevant ratios must

have or be enrolled and studying for at least an approved diploma level qualification.

Staffing arrangements : centre-based services from 1 January 2014

Quality Area 4Staffing

arrangements

Page 50: National Quality Framework

Children aged less than 36 monthso a ratio of 1 educator to 4 childreno at least 50 percent of educators required to meet relevant ratios have

or are actively working towards at least an approved diploma level qualification.

Children preschool age or under who are aged 36 monthso A ratio of 1 educator to 11 childreno At least 50 percent of educators required to meet relevant ratios have

or are actively working towards at least an approved diploma level qualification.

Children over preschool age o a ratio of 1 educator to 15 childreno at least 50 percent of educators are required to have or be enrolled

and studying for at least an approved diploma level qualification.

Staffing arrangements : centre-based services from 1 January 2016

Quality Area 4Staffing

arrangements

Page 51: National Quality Framework

Early childhood teacher requirements

Date required

Children attending/approved places

Teacher in attendance

1 January 2014

Less than 25 children or approved places < 25

Access for at least 20% of the time the service operates

25 to 59 children For at least 6 hours per day or 60% of the operating hours of the service

Approved places 25 to 59 Engages a full-time teacher

60 to 80 children 6 hours a day or 60% of the operating hoursSecond teacher for 3 hours a day or 30% of the operating hours

1 January 2016

Approved places 60 to 80 Engages a full time teacher and a second half full time teacher

More than 80 children Two teachers 6 hours per day of 60% of the operating hours

Approved places > 80 Engages two full time teachers

Quality Area 4Staffing

arrangements

Page 52: National Quality Framework

In regard to early childhood teacher requirements a transitional provision allows a person to be taken to be an early childhood teacher in the period from 1 January 2014 to 1 January 2016 if they are actively working towards an early childhood teaching qualification if they have completed 50 per cent of the course or hold a diploma level education and care qualification.

Please note that Kindergarten Funding and Policy Guidelines in Victoria would still require a kindergarten program to be delivered by a qualified early childhood teacher.

Qualified staff: transitional and savings provisions

Quality Area 4Staffing

arrangements

Page 53: National Quality Framework

Early childhood teacherso recognised under former law or for the purposes of

preschool fundingo hold a qualification on list published by ACECQAo immediately before 1 January 2012 were recognised,

registered, or accredited.

Diploma and Certificate III level qualificationso recognised under a former lawo held a qualification on list published by ACECQA.

Qualified staff: savings provisions

Quality Area 4Staffing

arrangements

Page 54: National Quality Framework

From 1 January 2014 all centre-based and family day care educators must have, or be actively working towards at least an approved certificate III level education and care qualification.

Educators at a centre-based service who have been continuously employed as an educator for 15 years immediately before 1 January 2012 are not required to hold (or be actively working towards) a certificate III level qualification until 31 December 2015.

The requirements do not apply to educators who have completed by 31 December 2011 an approved professional development course.

Certificate III level qualifications

Quality Area 4Staffing

arrangements

Page 55: National Quality Framework

Services must now ensure at least one educator is in attendance and immediately available in an emergency. Services must ensure that they have at least:o one holder of a current approved first aid qualificationo one educator that has undertaken approved

anaphylaxis management trainingo one educator that has undertaken approved

emergency asthma management training (this is not a requirement until 2013).

Family day care educators and educator assistants must adhere to all three requirements.

First aid qualifications

Quality Area 4 Staffing

arrangements

Page 56: National Quality Framework

An approved provider must take reasonable steps to ensure education and care is provided in a way that:o encourages children to express themselves and their

opinions o gives children the opportunity to become self reliant and

develop self-esteem o maintains at all times the dignity and rights of each child o gives positive guidance and encourages acceptable

behaviouro has regard to the family and cultural values, age, physical

and intellectual development and abilities of each child being educated and cared for by the service.

Relationships with children

Quality Area 5 Relationships with children

Page 57: National Quality Framework

Parents are permitted to enter the service premises at any time their child is being educated and cared for by the service, as long as there is no risk to the health and safety of children or staff at the service, no conflict with the duty of the provider, supervisor or educator under the Law, and no court order prohibiting contact with the child

Many other regulations relate to collaboration with families

Collaborative partnerships with families and communities

Quality Area 6 Collaborative

partnerships with families and communities

Page 58: National Quality Framework

The approved provider must ensure the service has in place policies and procedures in relation to the following:

Leadership and service management - policies

Quality Area 7 Leadership and

service management

health and safety dealing with medical conditions

interactions with children

delivery and collection of children

emergency and evacuation

governance and management of the service

excursions incident, injury trauma and illness

enrolment and orientation

refusal of authorisations for a child to leave the service

providing a child safe environment

payment of fees

dealing with infectious disease

staffing dealing with complaints

Page 59: National Quality Framework

Family Day Care must have additional prescribed policies and procedures in place, they include:o the assessment and approval and reassessment of

approved family day care residences and venueo engagement or registration of family day care educatorso monitoring, support and supervision of family day care

educatorso assessment of educators, assistants and persons residing

on the residenceo information, assistance and training to family day care

educator engagement or registration of assistants.o visitors

Leadership and service management – Family Day Care

Quality Area 7 Leadership and

service management

Page 60: National Quality Framework

Notification to the Regulatory Authorityo The Regulatory Authority must be notified within the

prescribed time of any changes in relation to the approved providers, nominated supervisors and premises.

Serious incidents and complaintso The Regulatory Authority must be notified within 24

hours of a serious incident or complaint.

Leadership and service management

Quality Area 7 Leadership and

service management

Page 61: National Quality Framework

Recordso Including assessments of children’s learning, evidence of

public liability insurance, medication, child attendance, child enrolment, incidents, record of service’s compliance history, staff records, record of educators working directly with children, volunteers.

Displayo A range of matters required to be displayed including

approvals, rating, hours of operation, educational leader, responsible person, nominated supervisor, complaints information, details of any waivers.

Leadership and service management

Quality Area 7 Leadership and

service management

Page 62: National Quality Framework

Sector support and

resources

Session 5

Page 63: National Quality Framework

Map of the National Quality Framework resources

www.acecqa.gov.au

Page 64: National Quality Framework

Information about the National Quality Framework is available on the ACECQA website at www.acecqa.gov.auo National Law and approved National Regulationso Fact sheets o Guide to the National Law and Regulations (available

shortly)o Guide to the National Quality Standard o Guide to Developing a Quality Improvement Plano Application forms and information for providers, services

and certified supervisorso Qualification, lists and registers

National sector support and resources

Page 65: National Quality Framework

Facts sheets on the National Quality Framework can be found at www.education.vic.gov.au/licensedchildservices

Sector support and resources for Victorian Services

Page 66: National Quality Framework

Questions and Answers

Session 6