NQF
Solving the National Quality Framework (NQF) Puzzle!
Click on a puzzle piece for more information about each topic in the NQF puzzle!
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Network Service Supervisor Certificate Basic Knowledge Online Assessment – NSW Services
Network is leading the way in providing FREE resources and support to services to assist them to transition to the National Quality Framework (NQF).
Network provides an online assessment to assist providers and nominated supervisors in services to be confident that every service supervisor has reviewed the regulations and has a basic working knowledge of the new regulations. This online assessment can be used by individuals or services to test their basic knowledge of the Education and Care Services National Regulation.
This assessment is not compulsory however we recommend it as a useful tool for all team members to complete. It is absolutely free and in order to pass the 20 question assessment task and to download your “Certificate of Achievement” you need to achieve 100%.
Of course you can attempt the assessment as many times you like and if you have a copy of your regulations in front of you it will be a LOT easier!!! We are asking in the assessment the actual numbers of particular regulations and whilst it is not required that you know this information off by heart it is a way of ensuring that those who have completed the test have seen the regulation!
As an online assessment you can complete it in any location where you have access to a computer and the internet! We hope you find it useful and look forward to your feedback!
The NSW Regulatory Authority
1. Introducing the NSW Regulatory Authority
The NSW Department of Education and Care is responsible for administering the National Quality Framework. Click here to learn more about this department and their role
www.dec.nsw.gov.au/what-we-offer/regulation-and-accreditation/early-childhood-education-care
2. 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 4028
ASHFIELD NSW 2131
Phone: (02) 02 9716 2100 or 1800 619 113 (toll free)
Fax: (02) 9716 2162
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.
1. 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.
A copy can be downloaded from: http://acecqa.gov.au/ArticleCategory.aspx?pid=372&gcpid=2
2. Guide to the National Regulations.
A copy can be downloaded from: http://acecqa.gov.au/ResourceCategory.aspx?pid=412&gcpid=2
3. 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.
4. Moving to the NQF
Prior to being granted service approval, DEC will complete a site visit to ensure the building and grounds are safe and the service has the necessary policies and procedures in place. The factsheet below outlines what to inspect during a pre-approval site visit.
5. Qualifications and Ratios for OSHC.
The National Law and Regulations do not specify requirements relating to qualifications for staff or staff to child ratio’s for OSHC services in NSW.
6. Approvals Process.
An overview of the Approvals process can be downloaded from the NQF Library at:
http://acecqa.gov.au/ResourceCategory.aspx?pid=412&gcpid=2
7. OSHC Questions from the National Regulation Information Sessions. This handy Q and A from the NSW Regulatory Authority will provide answers to many of your questions. If you have a question not answered email them and cc in Network so we can ensure it gets added to an updated version!
Download the questions and answers >>
8. Service Checklist for Implementation of National Regulations – A Network Members resource
See Network members site to access a copy of Regulations Revealed.
9. 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
1. “My Time, Our Place” – The document
2. 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:
http://www.acecqa.gov.au/ResourceCategory.aspx?pid=412&gcpid=2
There is also an E-learning website that contains fact sheets, discussion site, videos and information to assist implementation. Go online to register at:
http://www.mytimeourplace.com.au
3. Information for families
An information leaflet for families is available on the DEEWR website to download in many different languages. Click on the link and scroll down to the section marked resources.
Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA)
1. Introducing the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority ( ACECQA)
1. 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.
2. 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
- Leadership and service management.
Each quality area consists of 2 or 3 standards. There is a total of 18 standards. Within each standard there are elements. There is a total of 58 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.
1.What is the Rating system?
http://acecqa.gov.au/educators-and-providers1/assessments-and-ratings
2. NSW Regulatory Authority information on Assessment and Rating.