What is the National Quality Framework (NQF)?
The National Quality Framework (NQF) is part of the Australian Government’s agenda for early childhood education and child care focused on providing Australian families with high-quality, accessible and affordable integrated early childhood education and child care. The NQF aims to raise quality and drive continuous improvement and consistency in education and care services through:
- a national legislative framework
- a National Quality Standard
- a national quality rating and assessment process
- a new national body called the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority.
The National Quality Framework took effect on 1 January 2012 with key requirements being phased in over time. For more information visit http://www.acecqa.gov.au/national-quality-framework
What is the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)?
Belonging, Being and Becoming – The Early Years Learning Framework describes the principles, practices and outcomes that support and enhance young children’s learning from birth to five years of age, as well as their transition to school.
It is expected that each early childhood service will develop their own strategy to implement the Framework.
The Framework is part of the Council of Australian Governments’ reform agenda for early childhood education and care. It is a key component of the Australian Government’s National Quality Framework for early childhood education and care. It underpins universal access to early childhood education. We have developed and based our program on the EYLF which is Australia’s first National Quality Framework for Early childhood educators. It is a play based framework which recognises the importance of children learning through their everyday play and interactions. The framework relies heavily on the communication and relationships between families, the community and the Centre.