Quality Area 6 of the National Quality Standard (NQS) focuses on Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities. This area emphasises building respectful relationships, engaging families in decision-making, and connecting with the wider community to support children’s learning and wellbeing.
Standard 6.1 – Supportive Relationships with Families
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Welcoming Environment
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Hosting “Coffee & Chat” mornings for parents to connect with educators.
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Displaying a “Family Tree Wall” with photos and cultural symbols.
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Providing a parent lounge area with resources on child development.
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Offering flexible drop‑off times so families can settle children calmly.
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Creating a “Welcome Book” with greetings in multiple languages.
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Communication Strategies
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Creating short video updates for families via secure platforms.
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Offering bilingual newsletters for diverse communities.
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Holding quarterly family forums to discuss curriculum and service updates.
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Using digital portfolios where parents can comment on children’s work.
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Sending SMS reminders for upcoming events or workshops.
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Family Input
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Inviting parents to share professional expertise (e.g., doctors, artists, chefs).
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Running surveys to gather family preferences for excursions.
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Including family recipes in the service menu rotation.
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Asking families to contribute to “Cultural Celebration Days".
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Encouraging parents to suggest topics for enquiry projects.
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Standard 6.2 – Collaborative Partnerships
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Community Involvemen
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Partnering with local fire brigade for safety demonstrations.
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Hosting visits from community musicians or storytellers.
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Engaging local artists to run workshops with children.
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Inviting Indigenous elders to share Dreamtime stories.
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Collaborating with local sports clubs for active play sessions.
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Partnership Projects
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Joint art exhibitions with primary schools.
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Community garden projects with local residents.
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Partnering with aged care facilities for intergenerational play sessions.
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Running fundraising drives with local charities.
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Coordinating transition programs with nearby schools.
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Inclusive Practices
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Celebrating international days (e.g., Lunar New Year, Diwali).
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Providing interpreters for parent meetings.
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Displaying multilingual welcome signs at the entrance.
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Offering translated enrolment forms and policies.
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Ensuring cultural artefacts are included in play spaces.
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Standard 6.3 – Community Engagement
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Local Excursions
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Trips to local farmers’ markets to learn about food origins.
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Visiting animal shelters to promote empathy and care.
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Exploring nearby cultural centres or art galleries.
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Attending local theatre performances for children.
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Walks to nearby parks for nature exploration.
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Health & Wellbeing Links
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Collaborating with yoga instructors for family wellness sessions.
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Hosting mental health awareness talks with professionals.
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Running healthy lunchbox workshops with dietitians.
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Partnering with dental clinics for free check‑ups.
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Inviting child psychologists for parent information evenings.
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Celebrating Community Events
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Joining Clean Up Australia Day with children and families.
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Participating in Wear It Purple Day to promote inclusion.
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Hosting stalls at local fairs showcasing children’s artwork.
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Celebrating NAIDOC Week with cultural activities.
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Supporting Red Nose Day through fundraising and awareness.
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Practical Example Snapshots
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A centre hosts a “Family Skills Week”, where parents run mini‑workshops (gardening, cooking, storytelling).
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Educators partner with a local aged care home for monthly visits, fostering intergenerational connections.
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The service collaborates with a community sports club to provide active play sessions for children.
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Families and educators join a neighbourhood clean‑up project, teaching children about environmental responsibility.
Further Reading
How To Achieve Quality Area 6
Exceeding Guidance For Quality Area 6
Quality Area 6 Cheat Sheet
Reflection Questions For Quality Area 6
Documentation Services Require To Support Quality Area 6