ACECQA updates Guide to the NQF with enhanced school age care guidance

The Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) has released an updated version of its Guide to the National Quality Framework (NQF), strengthening guidance for school age care services and providing additional information on related provider determinations.

The changes are designed to support approved providers, nominated supervisors, educators and authorised officers in understanding and applying the requirements of the National Quality Framework (NQF). The Guide remains one of the sector's primary reference resources, offering practical guidance on implementing the National Law, National Regulations and National Quality Standard (NQS).

The latest update focuses on Section 3 of the Guide, which covers the National Quality Standard and the assessment and rating process.

ACECQA has strengthened guidance specifically for school age care services, providing additional information to support outside school hours care (OSHC) providers as they prepare for assessment and rating and implement the NQS within their unique operating environments.

The update also includes new information relating to provider determinations, providing greater clarity for approved providers navigating regulatory requirements.

Rather than serving as legal advice, the Guide to the NQF is intended to help the sector interpret and apply the National Quality Framework consistently. It should be read alongside the Education and Care Services National Law and National Regulations, which remain the authoritative legislative instruments.

The online Guide is updated regularly as legislation changes and additional guidance becomes available, allowing services to access the latest information without waiting for new printed editions.

ACECQA encourages providers to use the online version, which includes keyword search functionality and a detailed record of amendments, making it easier to locate relevant guidance when preparing for assessment and rating, reviewing operational practices or responding to regulatory requirements.

The update reflects ACECQA's ongoing approach of maintaining the Guide as a living resource for the sector, with revisions introduced as legislation evolves and new areas of guidance are identified.

Approved providers, nominated supervisors, educational leaders and service leadership teams are encouraged to review the latest changes to ensure policies, practices and quality improvement processes continue to align with current expectations under the National Quality Framework.

The updated Guide to the National Quality Framework is available on the ACECQA website.

For more information, visit the Guide to the National Quality Framework.