June 2012

National Quality Framework

Preparing for the assessment and rating visit

Podcast Series: 3

Presentation overview1. The assessment and rating process2. Preparation tips3. Evaluation4. Resources

Overview of the assessment and rating process

Step (*) Action – any time from 1 May 2012STEP 1 Notification to submit QIP (6 weeks to do so)STEP 2 (wk 6) Notification of date for site visit STEP 3 (wk 12) Site visit occurs - some on the spot feedback STEP 4 (wk 15) Draft assessment report / rating providedSTEP 5 (wk 18) Feedback on report by provider is considered

STEP 6 (wk 20) Report is finalised & rating determined

1. Overview

Assessment and rating process

Steps in the assessment and rating process

*approximate timeframe

Refer to acecqa.gov.au for the information sheet

Be empowered and a part of the processEngage with the resources available• Become familiar with the seven quality areas of the

National Quality Standard (NQS) and related regulatory requirements (Schedule 1, page 325 of the National Regulations)

• Refer to the Guide to the National Quality Standard• Engage with the approved learning frameworks• Undertake a comprehensive self-assessment • Start to implement the Quality Improvement Plan

1. Overview

Assessment and rating process

Remember, it’s a collaborative processCollaborate with the authorised officer • Various opportunities for discussion, to raise questions

and provide additional information • Discuss strategies for improvement identified in the

Quality Improvement Plan • Broad feedback during the assessment visit provided

1. Overview

Assessment and rating process

Minor adjustment policy There will be opportunity to address minoradjustments• Within specified areas and timeframes • Provide satisfactory evidence issue is resolved • Evidence to be provided before the draft report is

finalised and does not guarantee a service will be found to meet the relevant element or standard

http://acecqa.gov.au/resources-and-templates/assessment-and-rating-guides-and-instrument/

1. Overview

Assessment and rating process

The benchmark for quality has been raisedThe National Quality Standard (NQS) sets a newand higher national benchmark• When children participate in high quality early

childhood education and care programs, they are given the opportunity to reach their full potential and thrive

• Minimum standards are important, but consider the NQS and strategies for continuous quality improvement

• Ratings may not translate from NCAC to NQS

1. Overview

Assessment and rating process

Assessments will be against the NQS andrelated regulatory requirementsEnsuring reliability and consistency is key • Rigorous authorised officer training and testing• Numerous checks and balances• Regional office and departmental review

1. Overview

Assessment and rating process

Preparation tips in lead up to and during your visit

Tips for preparing for the assessment visit

• Ensure you have undertaken a self-assessment against the NQS and regulatory standards • Involve all educators, parents and children in

the self-assessment and discussions • Be open and honest • Acknowledge and celebrate strengths

• Implement the approved learning frameworkThe Early Years Learning Framework (birth – 5yrs), Framework for School Age Care (6 – 12yrs)

• Review the Guide to the National Quality Standard (so educators and others know what to expect)

2. Preparation for assessment and rating visit

What to expect

Tips for preparing for the assessment visit

• Inform parents and educators prior to the visit• Introduce the authorised officer• Negotiate a suitable time to talk with the authorised officer

at the beginning and end of the visit • Collaborate with the authorised officer• Ensure documentation related to the NQS and regulatory

requirements is readily available

2. Preparation for assessment and rating visit

What to expect

The focus is strongly on continuous quality improvement

and quality outcomes for children.

Compliance with the legislative standards provides a strong

foundation to build on.

Evaluation of the assessment and rating process

Resourcesto assist in your preparation

www.acecqa.gov.au

Education and Care Services National Law

Education and Care Services National Regulations

National Quality Standard

Early Years Learning Framework & Framework for School Age Care (or other approved learning framework)

Guide to the National Quality Standard

Guide to the National Law and National Regulations

2

Guide to Developing a Quality Improvement Plan

4

Guide to the National Quality Framework

1

Source Documents

4. Resources

National Quality Standard Assessment and Rating Instrument

Guide to Assessment and Rating for Services

Guide to Assessment and Rating for Regulatory Authorities

Support Documents

3

4. Resources

det.qld.gov.au / earlychildhood

• Podcasts

• FAQs

• Regulation information

• Policies and

procedures

• A-to-Z

Thank youSubscribe to A-Z of Early Childhood for important updates:

http://deta.qld.gov.au / earlychildhood / office / subscribe.html