Quality Area 1 has three standards that focus on the educational program, educational practice, and assessment and planning for each child’s learning and development.

The National Quality Standard (NQS) of Australia sets a national benchmark for the quality of education and care services and includes seven quality areas that are important to outcomes for children.

Quality Area 7 focuses on effective leadership and governance of the service to establish and maintain quality environments for children’s learning and development.

Quality Area 6 focuses on supportive, respectful relationships with families which are fundamental to achieving quality outcomes for children. Community partnerships that are based on active communication, consultation and collaboration also contribute to children’s inclusion, learning and wellbeing.

Quality Area 5 of the National Quality Standard focuses on educators developing responsive, warm, trusting and respectful relationships with children that promote their wellbeing, self-esteem, sense of security and belonging. Relationships of this kind encourage children to explore the environment and engage in play and learning.

Quality Area 4 of the National Quality Standard focuses on the provision of qualified and experienced educators who develop warm, respectful relationships with children, create predictable environments and encourage children’s active engagement in the learning program. A collaborative and ethical culture where professional standards guide all aspects of practice is critical to a quality service.

From today 01, Feb 2018 the new National Quality Standards will come into effect and all early childhood services will be assessed and rated against the new NQS.

Quality Area 3 of the National Quality Standard focuses on the physical environment.

Quality Area 2 of the National Quality Standard reinforces children’s right to experience quality education and care in an environment that provides for their health and safety.

Quality Area 1 of the National Quality Standard focuses on ensuring that the educational program and practice of educators are child-centred, stimulating and maximising opportunities for enhancing and extending each child’s learning and development. The following is a list of outcomes under each element within QA1, that can help services identify if they are achieving Quality Area 1. It also includes documentation to support each element. This list can be used as a guide for Self-Assessment purposes and the development of the Quality Improvement Plan.