This page is includes information on changes to the National Quality Framework from 1 October 2017, as well as changes that are specific to Victoria.
Changes to the National Quality Framework
Why are the changes being made?
Changes the National Quality Framework (NQF) will come into force in Victoria from October 2017, following a review of the National Partnership Agreement on the National Quality Agenda for Early Childhood Education and Care which commenced in 2014.
The review considered if the NQF was being met in an effective and efficient way, and proposed options were tested with the sector, families and community.
The review found that the NQF is an important and successful reform, with strong stakeholder support, and some technical and operational improvements were required after five years of operation.
Changes to the National Law and Regulations will take effect from 1 October 2017, with a revised National Quality Standard to follow on 1 February 2018.
What will change on 1 October?
On
1 October 2017, these aspects of the National Law will be amended:
- requirements for Family Day Care services
- supervisor certificates
- other changes that relate to service operations
- regulatory authority powers and AQECQA functions.
What will change in February?
On
1 February 2018, the National Quality Standard will be revised, reducing the number of standards from 18 to 15, and the elements from 58 to 40. For more information, see:
Changes for all services
Summary of the changes
A summary of the changes, explaining what is changing in each Quality Area, Element and Standard is available. See:
Changes to the National Quality Framework
Safe sleep and rest policies
Every service must have a sleep and rest policy. Information and best practices are available from ACECQA. See:
Safe sleep and rest practices
Responsible person requirements for approved providers
From October 1, there are changes for responsible person requirements. Supervisor certificates are also being removed. This page explains the changes and what requirements services will have. See:
ACECQA guidance on Responsible person requirements
Changes to notifications, incidents and complaints
Approved providers are responsible for submitting notifications using NQA ITS. Among changes coming into effect on 1 October are changes to incident and allegation notifications. See:
Key Changes to Notifications, Incidents and Complaints
A list of all notifications and the timelines is available. See:
Notification types and timeframes
Documentation requirements for school-aged children
Documentation requirements are changing nationally. For Victorian services, the existing requirements are unchanged. For the requirements, see:
Documenting programs for school-aged children
Comparison between the new and old National Quality Standard
ACECQA has prepared a table showing the changes by Quality Area. See:
NQS comparison
Changes for Family Day Care
Information forums for Family Day Care providers
We have two presentations available from our Family Day Care information sessions:
New requirements for Family Day Care educators
Information about notifications required, safe sleep policies and ratios is available. Some notifications were not required before 1 October 2017. See:
Requirements for Family Day Care educators
Changes for centre-based services
2018 changes to the National Quality Standard
On 1 February 2018, the new NQS will be introduced for all services.
ACECQA has an information sheet explaining the changes to the National Quality Standard. See:
Information Sheet: National Quality Standard and other changes effective 1 February 2018
Further information