National Quality Framework for Early Childhood and Care.

Principals and Early Childhood teachers need to be aware of the pending changes for education and care centres which cater for children 0-5 years. Although there are differences in ECE within states and territories, the national funding partnership requirements will embed the national agenda in all ECE settings including schools.

The forthcoming Federal changes to four (4) your olds education (Kindergarten) bring big responsibilities for school leaders and teachers. Examples of the requirements are listed below: 

• Kindy will be subject to special and repeated review in addition to DoE processes.
• The review includes an annual site visit and an allocation of marks for each of the seven elements to be reviewed. The rating becomes public information.
• There is a requirement for every service (i.e. school) to have a nominated supervisor. This will cost $30.00 per supervisor.
• Supervisor Certificates are required as part of the national framework. These will apply to the designated leader responsible for the delivery of education/care and it may be the teacher or the principal or both.
• Where there is a breach the Principal or ECE Teacher could be liable for up to a $4,000.00 fine.*
  
  • * The AEU notes on page 6 of its submissions:“Part 6, s168 of the National Law provides for offences relating to required s168(2) lays the responsibility at the feet of the nominated supervisor to “ensure” that a program is delivered to all children being educated and cared for by the service is based on an approved learning framework; is delivered in a manner that accords with the approved learning framework; is based on the developmental needs, interests and experience of each child; and is designated to take into account differences of each child. The penalty attached to this is $4,000.00”

The ECE Committee of SSTUWA & the Administrators’ Reference Group are pursing the matter.

National Action: The AEU has put forward a submission raising concerns at many levels associated with the impending changes entitled. ‘Early Childhood Quality Group on the National Quality Framework Regulations Exposure Draft Consultation, April 2011.’

It is available on request via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it