The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care is a national system for the regulation and quality assessment of child care and early learning services.

About the National Quality Framework (NQF)

Since 2010-11, the Australian Government has contributed $141.5 million to support state and territory governments to transition to and implement the NQF.

The NQF applies to most child care providers and services including:

  • Long day care
  • Family day care
  • Preschool and kindergarten
  • Outside school hours care services

Regulation and quality assessment of child care and early learning services is managed through the:

  • National Legislative Framework - provides a standard approach to the regulation and quality assessment of education and child care services
  • National Quality Standard - sets a national benchmark for the quality of education and care services
  • National Quality Rating and Assessment Process - rates services against the National Quality Standard
  • Early Years Learning Framework - describes the principles, practices and outcomes that support and enhance young children's learning.
  • My Time, Our Place Framework for School Age Care in Australia - improves care services for school aged children

State and territory regulatory authorities are responsible for administering the NQF.

 

The care quality authority for Australian children

Quality service delivery and continuous improvement in child care is delivered by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

ACECQA is a national authority that:

  • Supports state regulatory authorities in administering the NQF
  • Promotes continuous improvement and national consistency in service quality
  • Is fully funded by the Australian Government from 1 July 2018 for 2 years

 

More information