National Quality Framework (NQF)
Quality You Can See, Standards You Can Trust
Choosing a childcare centre is a big decision, and you deserve a clear way to assess the quality of care your child will receive. That's where the National Quality Framework (NQF) comes in.
The NQF is Australia's system for regulating and assessing early childhood education and care services. It sets the standards all approved centres must meet, and it gives families a consistent, transparent way to evaluate any centre, from the learning program to the environment, educators, and leadership.
At Kids Academy Early Learning, everything we do is shaped by the NQF, and we're proud to be held to that standard.
What the NQF Covers
The NQF looks at seven areas of practice. Here's what each one means for your child and your family:
- Educational program and practice - Your child's learning is planned with intention, responds to their individual needs and interests, and is guided by qualified educators using play-based approaches.
- Children's health and safety - Clear policies and procedures keep children safe and healthy, covering hygiene, nutrition, sun safety, and what happens in an emergency.
- Physical environment - Indoor and outdoor spaces are safe, engaging, and designed with children's age and development in mind.
- Staffing - Educators are appropriately qualified, and the right staff-to-child ratios mean every child gets the attention they need.
- Relationships with children - Educators build warm, consistent bonds with children that support their confidence, security, and sense of belonging.
- Partnerships with families and communities - Families are kept informed and involved, and centres build strong connections with their local community.
- Governance and leadership - Centres are well-run, with strong policies, regular team development, and a genuine focus on continuous improvement.
How Centres Are Rated
Every centre is independently assessed across the seven quality areas and given an overall rating:
- Exceeding NQS - The centre goes above and beyond the National Quality Standard in at least four of the seven areas.
- Meeting NQS - The centre meets the National Quality Standard across all seven areas.
- Working Towards NQS - The centre meets safety requirements but has areas identified for improvement.
- Significant Improvement Required - Immediate action is needed to address risks to children's safety, health, or wellbeing.
All ratings are publicly available through the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), so you can check the rating of any Kids Academy centre whenever you like.
What This Means at Kids Academy
At Kids Academy, the NQF gives us a strong foundation to build on, and we're always looking to go further. Our Quality Improvement Plans are reviewed regularly, our educators receive ongoing training, and we welcome feedback from families to keep improving.
If you want to know more about the rating of a specific centre, or how we put the NQF into practice, our centre teams are always happy to chat.
