why did the nqs change in 2017?

A revised National Quality Standard (NQS) to strengthen quality through greater clarity, remove conceptual overlap between elements and standards and clarify language. Improved oversight and support within Family Day Care to achieve better compliance and quality across the whole sector.

The introduction of the new system was intended to strengthen the quality in Early Childhood Care and Education.

It has unquestionably been a significant journey for all within the Early Childhood sector with introduction of the new laws & regulations. It certainly has taken some time to roll out the system and assess service

In 2017, 88% of services had been assessed. 73% achieved a Meeting National Quality Standard or above as their service rating.

The challenge has always been to continue the improvement journey as well as support parents, carers and services of the education and services as best practice provided to the children.

So much has been learnt since 2012 that additional changes to the National Quality Framework were implemented on 1st October 2017. The changes came into effect for all states and territories, with a delayed except Western. The amendments to the NQS were introduced February 1, 2018.

The changes were tested first within the sector, families and communities before concluding that the changes would improve the overall Early Childhood system prior to implementation.

The changes enable the maintaining of the quality outcomes for children whilst also reducing the burden for educators and services in particular in the area of administration.

Prior to the changes it was often voiced that educators often feel swamped by the paperwork and the changes were introduced aid to alleviate this challenge.

Another main element of the recommendations related to the reduction of red tape.

Revising the NQS meant a few key changes after intense consultation with the education and care sector. essentially the changes were implemented in order to streamline the NQS overall and reduce overlap which resulted in most areas having a reduction of standards or consolidated.