National Quality Framework (NQF)
Network Supports OOSH Services
Network is the leading organisation providing dedicated, OOSH-specific resources and support to services to assist OOSH services to adhere to the National Quality Framework (NQF).
Network provides a range of OOSH-specific support, from downloadable resources to professional development, and consulting services. Our mission is to support you in being a confident service provider, with a sound working knowledge of childcare regulations.
For information and resources please log into our member’s section.
For information on becoming a Network member, click here.
The NSW Regulatory Authority
NSW Department of Education, Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate
The NSW Department of Education, specifically the ECECD division, is responsible for administering the National Quality Framework. Click here to learn more about this department and their role
Contact the NSW Regulatory Authority
Services can contact the regulatory authority to discuss any issues relating to the implementation of the regulations.
Email them : ececd@det.nsw.edu.au
Phone 1800 619 113 ( toll free)
Locked Bag 5107
PARRAMATTA NSW 2124
Education and Care Services National Regulation
The Education and Care Services National Regulation came into effect on 1 January 2012. Prior to this, NSW OSHC services had never been regulated before. To assist services to adapt to the new regulations there are transitional arrangements in place.
National Regulations
“Education and Care Services National Regulations”.
Download your own copy of the law and regulations. Note in the regulations that OSHC services are referred to as ‘centre based services’ (over pre school age) and ‘out of scope’ services.
Every OSHC service should have a copy of these regulations and law on site at all times.
Remember that each State and Territory has their own laws and regulations. Make sure to check that you are viewing the NSW laws and regulations.
Guide to the National Regulations.
A copy can be downloaded from: Here>>
OSHC Transition to Regulations In NSW
OSHC Services in NSW have specific transition arrangements in place. This fact sheet will assist you to understand what those arrangements are.
Qualifications and Ratios for OSHC.
The National Quality Framework (NQF) sets out the minimum qualification and educator to child ratio requirements for children’s education and care services.
Educators must be working directly with children to be counted in the educator to child ratios.
Approvals Process.
An overview of the Approvals process can be downloaded from the NQF Library at:
Application for service approvals>>
Service Checklist for Implementation of National Regulations – A Network Members resource
Become a member now! Members get access to “Regulations Revealed”, an awesome resource to help implement the National regulation in your service!
First Aid/Asthma/Anaphylaxis Qualifications to meet National Regulations
At least one educator on duty must hold senior first aid qualifications at your service. Services are also required to have at least one person trained in Asthma and Anaphylaxis management on site at all times the service is educating and caring for children.
First aid, Asthma and Anaphylaxis qualifications have been approved by ACECQA for the purposes of the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations. These qualifications can be found at:
http://www.acecqa.gov.au/First-aid-qualifications-and-training
“My Time, Our Place” Framework for School Age Care
“My Time, Our Place” – The document
Information for Educators
The Educator’s Guide to the Framework for School Age Care in Australia supports school age care educators to examine current practices through a self-paced professional development approach. It covers the Framework’s principles, practices and outcomes for children and promotes reflective practice and enquiry, build knowledge and incorporate examples of quality practice.
Copies of the Educator’s Guide and other key documents can be downloaded from: Here>>
Information for Families
information for families is available on education NSW website here>>
Information for Schools
Promoting collaborative partnerships between school age care services and schools Link here>>
Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA)
Introducing the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA)
ACECQA is responsible for overseeing the national implementation of the National Quality Framework (NQF). Click here to learn more.
ACECQA Resource Guides to support you to implement the NQF.
ACECQA has produced several resource documents to assist services in implementing the NQF.
They are:
- Guide to NQF
- A Guide to the National Law and National Regulations
- A Guide to Developing a Quality Improvement Plan
- A Guide to the National Quality Standards
- Quality Improvement Plan Template
In addition supporting documents and information is available on the website that may be of interest to school age care educators and their management.
Access NQF resources: http://acecqa.gov.au
National Quality Standard
The National Quality Standard is the national benchmark for the quality of education and care services including OSHC.
The National Quality Standard comprises 7 quality areas. The seven quality areas in the National Quality Standard are:
- Educational program and practice
- Children’s health and safety
- Physical environment
- Staffing arrangements
- Relationships with children
- Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
- Governance and Leadership
Each quality area consists of 2 or 3 standards. There is a total of 15 standards. Within each standard there are elements. There is a total of 40 elements.
Assessment and Rating
The Assessment and Rating System is described in Chapter 3 of the Education and Care Services National Regulation.
All OSHC services will be assessed and rated on the 7 quality areas in the National Standard.
What is the Rating system?
http://acecqa.gov.au/educators-and-providers1/assessments-and-ratings
NSW Regulatory Authority information on Assessment and Rating.
ECECD Regulation, Assessment and Rating