National Quality Standard

The National Quality Standard (or NQS) is the benchmark for the quality of Early Childhood Education & Care in Australia (part of the National Quality Framework (NQF)).

Aim
The National Quality Standard aims to promote:
 * the safety, health and wellbeing of children
 * a focus on achieving outcomes for children through high-quality educational programs
 * families' understanding of what distinguishes a quality service.

Quality Areas
The National Quality Standard (NQS) is a key aspect of the NQF. The NQS consists of seven quality areas, each containing standards and elements, that children's education and care services are assessed and rated against.

The seven quality areas covered by the National Quality Standard are:
 * QA 1 - Educational program and practice
 * QA 2 - Children's health and safety
 * QA 3 - Physical environment
 * QA 4 - Staffing arrangements
 * QA 5 - Relationships with children
 * QA 6 - Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
 * QA 7 - Leadership and service management