National Quality Framework Understanding your assessment and rating report National Quality Standard Services are assessed against the seven quality areas of the National Quality Standard (NQS): The assessment and rating report Assessment and rating visit details Report structure: Evidence: Demonstrates the individuality of the service Example of practice: Physical environment The indoor and outdoor environments provided a range of play spaces where children were able to take appropriate risks. Children were observed independently exploring the environment. Meeting National Quality Standard: The Authorised Officer has noted evidence of practice at your service that demonstrates the intent of the National Quality Standard. Example of Meeting National Quality Standard: Relationships with children Interactions with children were observed to be relaxed and happy. Children confidently approached educators and initiated conversations or asked for assistance which indicated that children and educators shared a trusting relationship. ‘However’ or ‘In addition’ ‘However’ statements: The evidence provided under this heading demonstrates the service’s practice is working towards the National Quality Standard. Working towards the National Quality Standard example: However: There was limited variety of equipment and resources for children to access, especially during outdoor play. As a result, children were observed becoming restless and irritable while waiting for resources to become available. ‘In addition’ statements: The evidence provided under this heading demonstrates the service’s practice is exceeding the National Quality Standard. Exceeding the National Quality Standard example: In addition: Educators were observed supporting children to engage in cooperative behaviour, listening empathetically to children expressing their emotions, acknowledging attempts to resolve their own conflicts and recognising occasions when children engaged in joint problem solving. Quality area summary: • • • • Minor adjustment notes Quality improvement plan notes Compliance notes Approved provider response. Minor adjustment: During the visit, or soon afterwards, the Authorised Officer may identify minor adjustments your service can make to an issue that: does not pose an unacceptable risk to the safety, health or wellbeing of children has minimal impact on the quality of the service provided can be quickly rectified is not one of numerous other minor matters may, if rectified, result in the service receiving a higher rating against a standard Overall rating: What do the ratings mean? Services will receive one of the following overall ratings: The majority of services will receive one of these middle three ratings. Now you have your draft assessment and rating report What’s next? Providing feedback on the draft assessment and rating report Feedback: 10 working days to provide feedback on the draft report Your feedback • Be clear about the information you want considered or reconsidered. • Be concise – limit the information you provide to a minimum. Lots of information may make it difficult to find the facts. • Submit your feedback in writing. Consider providing feedback using a table: Quality Area 1 – Educational program and practice Standard Content from report Factual reasons on how your service is meeting the standard Evidence [Insert number] [Copy the sentence or paragraph of report you are addressing] [Succinctly justify why your service is meeting the element or standard] [Provide factual evidence which clearly demonstrates how your service is meeting the standard] Your feedback will be considered before the final report and notice of rating are issued. Notice of rating: First tier review Must be submitted to the Regulatory Authority within 14 days after receiving your final assessment and rating report and notice of rating. Information on applying for a review can be found at: http://www.acecqa.gov.au/educators-and-providers1/review-of-ratings How to apply for a first tier review: A request for a review must: • be in writing • set out the grounds on which the review is sought • be accompanied by the prescribed information Before seeking a first tier review, consider: • the outcome that you want • whether you can provide sufficient supporting evidence – remember to use the Guide to the National Quality Standard to confirm your practice. Conducting a first tier review The Regulatory Authority: • • • has 30 days (after receiving the application) to conduct the review may request additional information and an extension of up to an additional 30 days must give the approved provider written notice of the decision within 30 days after the decision was made. First tier review: As a result of a first tier review, ratings may be confirmed or amended. This means that your rating may: • improve • remain the same • be downgraded to a lower rating Second tier review: An application may only be made on the grounds that the Regulatory Authority: a) did not appropriately apply the prescribed processes for determining a rating level b) failed to take into account or give sufficient weight to special circumstances or facts existing at the time of the rating assessment Applying for a second tier review: An application for a second tier review must: • be submitted within 14 days of receiving the decision of the first tier review • be in writing • include the service approval number • include the service name and contact person • include the reasons for the review • include the prescribed fee. More information on second tier reviews can be found at: http://www.acecqa.gov.au/review-of-ratings Applying for a reassessment and re-rating: An application for a reassessment and re-rating can be: • a full review of all standards • a partial review that focuses on specific quality areas or standards. Applications for reassessment and re-rating can only be made once every two years. An application fee applies. Stay informed Resources available Access the ACECQA website for information and templates relating to assessment and rating under the National Quality Standards: http://www.acecqa.gov.au/ Source documents Education and Care Services National Regulations Education and Care Services National Law National Quality Standard Early Years Learning Framework Framework for School Age Care (or other approved learning framework) Support documents: • Podcasts • FAQs • Regulation information • Policies and procedures • A to Z newsletter Thank you