Here’s a cheat sheet for Quality Area 6: Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities from the NQS. This cheat sheet includes each standard, its elements, and practical examples tailored for early childhood settings.
Quality Area 6 Element Breakdown
| Standard | Element | Focus | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.1 – Supportive and respectful relationships with families | 6.1.1 | Family Engagement | Families are supported from enrolment to be involved in the service and contribute to decisions. |
| 6.1.2 | Respecting Family Views | The expertise, culture, values and beliefs of families are respected and they share in decision-making. | |
| 6.1.3 | Information Sharing | Families receive current, accessible and clear information about the service and their child. | |
| 6.2 – Collaborative partnerships enhance children’s inclusion, learning and wellbeing | 6.2.1 | Transitions & Continuity | Continuity of learning and transitions are supported through shared information and clarified responsibilities. |
| 6.2.2 | Inclusion & Access | Effective partnerships support children’s access, inclusion and participation. | |
| 6.2.3 | Community Engagement | The service builds relationships and engages with its community. |
Practical Examples
Here’s a set of practical examples for each element of Quality Area 6: Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities, designed to support implementation, documentation, and emotional intelligence in early childhood settings:
Standard 6.1 – Supportive and respectful relationships with families
| Element | Practical Examples |
|---|---|
| 6.1.1 – Engagement with families | - Welcome packs with visual guides and trauma-informed language - Family input boards for curriculum ideas, menus, or celebrations - Open-door policy and flexible meeting times for working families |
| 6.1.2 – Respecting family views | - Culturally inclusive documentation (e.g., child voice captions in home languages) - Collaborative goal-setting during enrolment and review periods - Acknowledging family expertise in child development and routines |
| 6.1.3 – Information sharing | - Daily updates via apps, journals, or visual communication boards - Translated newsletters and policy summaries - Visual guides for transitions, routines, and educator roles |
Standard 6.2 – Collaborative partnerships enhance children’s inclusion, learning, and well-being
| Element | Practical Examples |
|---|---|
| 6.2.1 – Continuity of learning and transitions | - Transition-to-school kits with child voice and educator reflections - Visual social stories for new routines or environments - Joint planning meetings with families and allied health teams |
| 6.2.2 – Access and participation | - Inclusion support plans co-designed with families - Quiet spaces and sensory tools for neurodiverse children - Flexible enrolment options for vulnerable families |
| 6.2.3 – Community engagement | - Excursions to local parks, libraries, or cultural centres - Guest visits from Elders, artists, or health professionals - Community resource wall with support services and events |
Further Reading
How To Achieve Quality Area 6
Supporting Doc QA6
Reflection Questions For Quality Area 6
Exceeding Guidance For Quality Area 6
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