National Quality Framework information sessions

November 24 2011

A series of information sessions preparing early childhood education and care providers for the start of the sector's new regulatory framework next year have attracted 2300 educators across Queensland.

The sessions on the National Regulations for the National Quality Framework (NQF), have now concluded and the Department of Education and Training is preparing a suite of materials to further assist the transition.

The National Regulations commence on January 1 2012.

The information sessions, including one conducted online, explored the key changes for Queensland specific to long day care, family day care, outside school hours care and kindergarten services.

Transitional provisions for services and what needs to be done in preparation for January 1 were also discussed.

Anne Reddell, executive director, Policy and Performance, from the Office for Early Childhood Education and Care (OECEC), said the response to the sessions shows the commitment services have to understanding the NQF.

'Most of the sessions were filled to capacity with some so popular we're exploring whether additional face-to-face sessions can be held in some locations,' Ms Reddell said.

'We've received positive feedback from a number of attendees on the content and structure of the face-to-face sessions and an online conference allowed us to reach services from across the state.'

The Q&A section of the sessions generated lively discussion with attendees clarifying the impact of the new regulations using real world examples.

Changes to staffing ratios and qualifications and Nominated Supervisor/Certified Supervisor requirements were popular topics along with the new quality assessment and rating system and how it will be implemented.

OECEC is now compiling an extensive suite of FAQ documents from all questions received so far. The FAQs, a recording of the online conference and all handout materials distributed at the sessions will be shared on the OECEC website in the near future.

'A very big thank you goes to our Brisbane, South East Queensland, Central Queensland and North Queensland regional directors and regional staff for your assistance in making the information sessions such a great success, Ms Reddell said.

Details about the National Quality Framework can be found on the OECEC website.