The National Quality Framework for Early Education and Care: a discussion paper

In December 2007, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to a partnership between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments to pursue substantial reform in the areas of education, skills and early childhood development, to deliver significant improvements in human capital outcomes for all Australians [1].

This discussion paper provides the basis for the initial round of consultations on the development of a new national quality framework for early childhood education and care to progress these reforms.

The discussion paper outlines some of the issues that have been identified in developing a national quality framework and a national early years learning framework, and poses a series of key questions that must be addressed in developing options. Additional input beyond the issues identified in this paper is welcome.

Input from a wide range of people and organisations is needed to ensure that the options developed will support the ongoing development of an efficient and effective early childhood education and care sector that achieves improved outcomes for children. Individuals and organisations interested in these reforms are strongly encouraged to contribute submissions toward developing these options.

An important part of the Early Years Learning Framework is the Early Years Learning Framework. The draft Early Years Learning Framework will be the subject of consultations taking place in all states and territories in capital cities beginning in Brisbane on 18 November 2008

The National Quality Framework for Early Education and Care: a discussion paper (405.7 KB)

The National Quality Framework for Early Education and Care: a discussion paper
(1.1 MB)

Submission form for A national quality framework for early childhood education and care (140.0 KB)

[1] COAG (2007), 20 December 2007 Communiqué, Council of Australian Governments’ Meeting, http://www.coag.gov.au/meetings/201207/index.htm

On this page

Public consultation sessions

Written submissions

Focus groups

What happens next?

Public consultation sessions

The reform agenda is a joint partnership between state and territory governments and the Commonwealth Government. Public consultation sessions based on the key questions in this paper will be held around the country in August and September 2008. Any interested party is invited to participate in these sessions.

For details of sessions, see www.deewr.gov.au/COAGforums or call 1800 220 425.

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Written submissions

Written submissions from interested individuals and organisations are welcome. Submissions may simply express views in the contributor’s own words or use the structured submission form in Appendix A. Details of the submission process are available by sending an email to ECECQualityReformSubmissions@deewr.gov.au.

Written submissions are welcome until COB 19 September 2008.

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Focus groups

A number of focus groups will also be conducted with families currently using early childhood education and care services. The purpose of these sessions is to gain an in‑depth understanding of the various needs and priorities of different families using childhood education and child care services. Focus groups will also be conducted with other key stakeholders.

In addition to these focus groups, families that wish to comment on the reforms should also feel free to participate in public consultation sessions and make written submissions.

Consultations targeting specific stakeholders (for example, peak bodies, early childhood academics and expert practitioners) may also be held.

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What happens next?

Feedback from this consultation process will be taken into account in developing the National Quality Framework. It is expected that an exposure draft of the national quality standards and a rating system will be made available for public consultation later in the year. It is also expected that the broad direction of a more streamlined regulatory system will be publicly announced later this year.

Following national endorsement, the final framework is expected to be introduced from 1 July 2009.

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