National Quality Standard rating
The National Quality Framework was established in 2012 as a way to assess the quality of kindergartens/preschools, long day care, family day care and outside school hours care services and to drive continuous improvement. All Victorian providers undergo detailed reviews by the Department of Education and Training where their performance is assessed against the seven quality areas of the National Quality Standard and given an overall rating based on these results.
Our kindergarten had its first ever assessment in August/September 2015, including a review of our Quality Improvement Plan (QIP – our goals for improving), observation of Educators, interviews with Educators and committee members and review of key information. We are proud to report in 2025 we achieved an Exceeding National Quality Standard rating for 5 out of the 7 quality areas and an overall rating of Exceeding National Quality Standard.
QIP
As part of the NQS, the service must ensure a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) is in place. The aim of a QIP is to help providers self-assess their performance in delivering quality education and care, and to plan future improvements. The QIP also helps regulatory authorities with assessing the quality of the service.
It is intended that the NQS set a new national benchmark for the quality of children’s education and care services and gives families a better understanding of a quality service. This enables families to make informed decisions about the services providing education and care to their child.
The NQS was informed by research about best practice and the way in which high quality education and care contributes to positive outcomes for children. It comprises seven quality areas, standards and elements:
