The National Quality Framework (NQF) provides a national approach to regulation, assessment and quality improvement for early childhood education and care and outside school hours care services across Australia.

The NQF introduced a new quality standard in 2012 to improve education and care across long day care, family day care, preschool/kindergarten, and outside school hours care services. 

The NQF includes:

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• National Law and National Regulations

• National Quality Standard

• Assessment and quality rating process

• National learning frameworks.  

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Benefits for children and families

Research shows quality education and care early in life leads to better health, education and employment outcomes later in life. The early years are critical for establishing self-esteem, resilience, healthy growth and capacity to learn. Quality education and care shapes every child’s future and lays the foundation for development and learning.

The major benefits for parents and children include:

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• improved educator to child ratios, ensuring children have greater individual care and attention for children

• educators with increased skills and qualifications

• better support for children’s learning and development through approved learning frameworks

• consistent, transparent information on educators, providers and services in the national registers.

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Starting Blocks provides parents with information about early childhood education and care to help them make the best choice for their child and family.

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For more information about National Quality Framework. Click the link below.