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| Report reveals widespread support for NQF
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A review into the National Quality Framework, the National Quality Standards and the assessment and rating system by Woolcott Research has revealed widespread support for the NQF but suggests there are opportunities for streamlining, reducing red tape and further refining the current framework.
The review also reveals that a range of cultural and/or behavioural changes may have emerged as a result of implementation of the NQF.
The report, which collated the opinions of 1335 people at 55 public consultation sessions, 638 responses to an online survey, 280 online comments and 187 formal submissions, revealed a broad base of support and no real desire for systematic change at this time.
The report also made it clear that implementation of the NQF has provided significant benefits for children and services since it was introduced in 2012 as a result of:
- a nationally consistent framework for a variety of service types in the sector
- the focus on continuous quality improvement and professional development
- an increased focus on outcomes for children, including through the Early Years Learning Framework and the Framework for School Age Care
- better communication between the sector and families about the value of early learning
- improved ratio and qualification requirements.
There was also support for the increasing development and professionalisation of the early childhood workforce as a result of the new qualifications requirements.
However there was support to improve consistency and remove red tape for services and regulators in particular to:
- Further streamline the assessment and rating process to improve consistency of approach and interpretation of the NQS by authorised officers within and between states and territories.
- Address some paperwork, documentation and administration issues to reduce the administrative burden for service providers.
The report says that many in the sector felt the inconsistency in the approach and interpretation of the NQF arising from different state and territory requirements and regulatory processes has been a challenge and support a truly national system with a consistent set of requirements especially in relation to qualifications and ratios.
The report shows that while the system is in the transition phase further changes and amendments to the NQF wouldn't be welcome.
Read the summary of findings from the review.
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Did you know
The average ongoing cost of administering the NQF was $140,000 per year for a Long Day Care service with 75 places and 15 staff.
Source: Dept of Education
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