june 2012 national quality framework preparing for the assessment and rating visit podcast series: 3
TRANSCRIPT
June 2012
National Quality Framework
Preparing for the assessment and rating visit
Podcast Series: 3
Presentation overview1. The assessment and rating process2. Preparation tips3. Evaluation4. Resources
Overview of the assessment and rating process
Step (*) Action – any time from 1 May 2012STEP 1 Notification to submit QIP (6 weeks to do so)STEP 2 (wk 6) Notification of date for site visit STEP 3 (wk 12) Site visit occurs - some on the spot feedback STEP 4 (wk 15) Draft assessment report / rating providedSTEP 5 (wk 18) Feedback on report by provider is considered
STEP 6 (wk 20) Report is finalised & rating determined
1. Overview
Assessment and rating process
Steps in the assessment and rating process
*approximate timeframe
Refer to acecqa.gov.au for the information sheet
Be empowered and a part of the processEngage with the resources available• Become familiar with the seven quality areas of the
National Quality Standard (NQS) and related regulatory requirements (Schedule 1, page 325 of the National Regulations)
• Refer to the Guide to the National Quality Standard• Engage with the approved learning frameworks• Undertake a comprehensive self-assessment • Start to implement the Quality Improvement Plan
1. Overview
Assessment and rating process
Remember, it’s a collaborative processCollaborate with the authorised officer • Various opportunities for discussion, to raise questions
and provide additional information • Discuss strategies for improvement identified in the
Quality Improvement Plan • Broad feedback during the assessment visit provided
1. Overview
Assessment and rating process
Minor adjustment policy There will be opportunity to address minoradjustments• Within specified areas and timeframes • Provide satisfactory evidence issue is resolved • Evidence to be provided before the draft report is
finalised and does not guarantee a service will be found to meet the relevant element or standard
http://acecqa.gov.au/resources-and-templates/assessment-and-rating-guides-and-instrument/
1. Overview
Assessment and rating process
The benchmark for quality has been raisedThe National Quality Standard (NQS) sets a newand higher national benchmark• When children participate in high quality early
childhood education and care programs, they are given the opportunity to reach their full potential and thrive
• Minimum standards are important, but consider the NQS and strategies for continuous quality improvement
• Ratings may not translate from NCAC to NQS
1. Overview
Assessment and rating process
Assessments will be against the NQS andrelated regulatory requirementsEnsuring reliability and consistency is key • Rigorous authorised officer training and testing• Numerous checks and balances• Regional office and departmental review
1. Overview
Assessment and rating process
Preparation tips in lead up to and during your visit
Tips for preparing for the assessment visit
• Ensure you have undertaken a self-assessment against the NQS and regulatory standards • Involve all educators, parents and children in
the self-assessment and discussions • Be open and honest • Acknowledge and celebrate strengths
• Implement the approved learning frameworkThe Early Years Learning Framework (birth – 5yrs), Framework for School Age Care (6 – 12yrs)
• Review the Guide to the National Quality Standard (so educators and others know what to expect)
2. Preparation for assessment and rating visit
What to expect
Tips for preparing for the assessment visit
• Inform parents and educators prior to the visit• Introduce the authorised officer• Negotiate a suitable time to talk with the authorised officer
at the beginning and end of the visit • Collaborate with the authorised officer• Ensure documentation related to the NQS and regulatory
requirements is readily available
2. Preparation for assessment and rating visit
What to expect
The focus is strongly on continuous quality improvement
and quality outcomes for children.
Compliance with the legislative standards provides a strong
foundation to build on.
Evaluation of the assessment and rating process
Resourcesto assist in your preparation
www.acecqa.gov.au
Education and Care Services National Law
Education and Care Services National Regulations
National Quality Standard
Early Years Learning Framework & Framework for School Age Care (or other approved learning framework)
Guide to the National Quality Standard
Guide to the National Law and National Regulations
2
Guide to Developing a Quality Improvement Plan
4
Guide to the National Quality Framework
1
Source Documents
4. Resources
National Quality Standard Assessment and Rating Instrument
Guide to Assessment and Rating for Services
Guide to Assessment and Rating for Regulatory Authorities
Support Documents
3
4. Resources
det.qld.gov.au / earlychildhood
• Podcasts
• FAQs
• Regulation information
• Policies and
procedures
• A-to-Z
Thank youSubscribe to A-Z of Early Childhood for important updates:
http://deta.qld.gov.au / earlychildhood / office / subscribe.html