Transition arrangements for National Quality Framework

Since the agreement in December 2009 to the new National Quality Agenda for early childhood education and school age care, Australian governments have been working together to develop the transition arrangements to the new system that will commence from January 2012.

The changes in ratios and qualifications requirements that are part of the new quality system will be implemented gradually to allow services time to change (where necessary) to the new requirements, and the first of these is the staff to child ratio for 0-2 year olds of 1:4, which commences from 1 January 2012.

What changes will I see?

• a National Quality Standard, to help providers improve their services in the range of areas that impact on a child's development
• improved staff-to-child ratios so that each child gets more individual care and attention
• new qualifications requirements for early childhood education and child workers, so staff are better able to lead activities that help children learn and develop
• a new quality rating system, so that parents will know the quality of care on offer and can make informed choices about which service is best for their child
• a new national body to guide the implementation and management of the overall framework.

Visit Early Childhood for regular progress updates

For more information, including Frequently Asked Questions and fact sheets, please visit National Quality Framework