NCAC Announces Quality Assurance Changes

NCAC Announces Quality Assurance Changes
Key dates to consider

The new National Quality Framework for Early Education and Care (NQF) replaces the current Child Care Quality Assurance systems (CCQA) from 1 January 2012 and as a result the NCAC has started closing down the CCQA system.

Key dates
From 1 January 2011 accredited and new services will no longer be required to submit a Self-study Report to NCAC.

From 1 April 2011 Not Accredited services will no longer be required to submit a Self-study Report to NCAC. Services will next submit under the NQF.

In the interim, services should continue to operate within the existing state and territory regulations and use the standards outlined in the relevant Quality Practices Guide to support and focus on their quality practices.

The NCAC Spot Check Policy remains in place and is a key mechanism to ensure there is a focus on quality practices during the transition.

All services will retain their final Accreditation status from the current CCQA systems and are expected to display their Accreditation Certificate and/or Quality Profile Certificate.

Services currently participating in the CCQA systems will be advised of these changes through the NCAC website and future editions of Putting Children First.

Services no longer required to submit a Self-study Report should have received a letter from NCAC about this during the week of 11 October 2010.

If you have any questions please call a NCAC Child Care Adviser on 1300 136 554.

The NCAC is encouraging educators, coordinators, staff and service operators to familiarise themselves with the NQF and information is available from www.deewr.gov.au.