Bright Beginnings Taree awarded “Exceeding” under National Quality Standard

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Fiona Alston

Oct 07, 2025

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Bright Beginnings Children’s Centre in Taree has achieved an “Exceeding” rating under the National Quality Standard (NQS), marking a milestone moment for its staff, children, families and community.

Having last been assessed as “Meeting” in 2019, the centre now joins the ranks of early childhood services across New South Wales and nationwide that demonstrate practice beyond regulatory compliance.

Centre Manager Jan Williams, with more than two decades of experience at Bright Beginnings, described the “Exceeding” outcome as the fruit of dedicated teamwork and strategic focus.

In December 2024, Bright Beginnings joined Affinity Education Group. At that point, the centre brought to the new partnership a Quality Improvement Plan with 18 focus areas. As Mrs Williams recalled, Affinity’s Quality Advisor encouraged the centre to sharpen focus: “choose three!”

Together, the team concentrated on:

Embedding Child Safe Standards in everyday practice
Enhancing outdoor environments, supported by an Affinity-funded playground upgrade
Deepening community connection

Educators also emphasised that the achievement belongs to everyone on the team:

“We all feel proud that our hard work and commitment to children’s wellbeing and learning has been recognised.”

When notified of the upcoming assessment, the children’s centre leadership prioritised educator wellbeing. Ms Williams explained they reassured staff, prepared evidence collaboratively, and aimed to reduce stress so that educators would feel confident during the Authorised Officer’s interview.

The two‑day assessment process became “a positive experience,” she said, allowing educators proud to articulate their work. Following the draft report, additional evidence was submitted and the “Exceeding” rating awarded.

Read the full blog here.

Photo credit: Affinity Education Group.

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