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Service Quality Ratings

Approved children's education and care services across Australia are assessed and rated by their state and territory regulatory authority.

They are assessed against the seven quality areas of the National Quality Standard (NQS)

 1

 Educational program and practice

 Your child is supported to participate in play and learning
   
2

 Children’s health and safety

 Your child is protected from illness and hazards
   
3

 Physical environment

 Your child plays in a safe and well maintained environment
   
4

 Staffing arrangements

 There are enough qualified staff to give your child the attention they need
   
5

 Relationships with children

 Your child is made to feel supported and welcomed
   
6

 Collaborative partnerships with families and communities

 Local community involvement and respect for the beliefs and values of families
   
7

 Governance and leadership

 Your child is cared for in a positive and well managed environment


They are given a rating for each NQS quality area (above) and an overall NQS service quality rating based on these results. You may find this information helpful when choosing a service

 

Significant Improvement Required

Service does not meet one of the seven quality areas or a section of the legislation and there is a significant risk to the safety, health and wellbeing of children.

The regulatory authority will take immediate action.

Working Towards National Quality Standard

Service provides a safe education and care program, but there are one or more areas identified for improvement.

Meeting National Quality Standard

Service meets the National Quality Standard.

Service provides quality education and care in all seven quality areas.

Exceeding National Quality Standard

Service goes beyond the requirements of the National Quality Standard in at least four of the seven quality areas.

Excellent

Service promotes exceptional education and care, demonstrates sector leadership, and is committed to continually improving.

This rating can only be awarded by ACECQA.

Services rated Exceeding National Quality Standard in all 7 Quality Areas may choose to apply for this rating.

 

You might come across a service with ‘Provisional - The service has not yet been assessed'. This is because services are generally allowed 6 months or so after approval before being assessed, and during this time they show this rating.

See our checklist on how to spot quality when you visit a children's education and care service.

Learn about the Assessment and Rating process.


More information