Quality Area 6 Cheat Sheet

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

Quality Area 6 Element Breakdown

Practical Examples

Further Reading