National quality standards
National Quality Framework
The National Quality Framework (NQF) regulates most early childhood education and care services in Australia.
It applies to kindergarten, long day care, outside school hours care and family day care services.
The NQF aims to improve:
- the quality and consistency of education and care across Australia
- program delivery in the areas that affect a child’s learning and development.
It includes:
- the Education and Care Services National Law and Education and Care Services National Regulations
- national learning frameworks to help educators deliver quality learning programs
- qualification requirements for educators
- more educators working with children (see educator-to-child ratios)
- a national body to monitor consistency
- the National Quality Standard.
More information
See how the NQF will improve service delivery.
National Quality Standard
The National Quality Standard (which is part of the NQF) includes a quality rating system for each service. It will help you make informed choices about what service is best for your child.
You can find ratings online and compare services: