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Education and care services are assessed and rated by their state and territory regulatory authority.

Services are assessed against the 7 quality areas of the National Quality Standard.

On this page:

Quality ratings

Services are given a rating for each of the 7 quality areas and an overall rating based on these results.

The ratings are:

Service promotes exceptional education and care, demonstrates sector leadership and is committed to continually improving.

Awarded by ACECQA.

Services rated Exceeding National Quality Standard in all quality areas may choose to apply for this rating.

Exceeding National Quality Standard

Service goes beyond the requirements of the National Quality Standard in at least 4 of the 7 quality areas, with at least two of these being quality areas 1, 5, 6, or 7.

Meeting National Quality Standard

Service meets the National Quality Standard.

Service provides quality education and care in all 7 quality areas.

Working Towards National Quality Standard

Services provides a safe education and care program.

There are 1 or more areas identified for improvement.

Significant Improvement required

Service does not meet 1 of the 7 quality areas or a section of the legislation and there is an significant risk to the safety, health and wellbeing of children.

The regulatory authority will take immediate action.

Ratings must be displayed at the service at all times. In addition to the rating certificate, services can use their NQS rating logo. Find out how you can request your logo and promote your rating.

The quality ratings are published on the national registers and StartingBlocks.gov.au. Quality ratings can help families choose the right service for their child.

Services not yet assessed

Services not yet assessed are given a rating of 'Provisional-Not yet assessed under the National Quality Framework' and must display this rating at the service.

Steps in assessment and rating process

Services are assessed and rated by the state or territory regulatory authority. Below is a summary of the steps in the assessment and rating process and approximate timeframes.

See the Guide to the National Quality Framework for more details.

Self-assessment and quality improvement (ongoing)

Approved provider will self-assess the quality of the current practices against the National Quality Standard and regulatory requirements.

Approved provider identifies strengths and areas for improvement on an ongoing basis. Read more on self-assessment and quality improvement planning.

Notice of start of process (week 1)

Regulatory authority provides written notice to an approved provider that the assessment and rating process has commenced.

Quality Improvement Plan (week 3-4)

The quality improvement plan is submitted to the regulatory authority prior to the visit, along with any additional information requested by the regulatory authority

Visit (week 5 to 8)

The regulatory authority visits the service.

Feedback on draft report (3-5 weeks after the visit)

Regulatory authority provides the approved provider with a draft assessment and rating report. The provider can give feedback on any factual inaccuracies in the report and evidence to support feedback.

Final report and notice of final ratings issued to provider

Feedback considered before final report is finalised and issued. Approved provider may choose to apply for a review of final ratings within the set review period.

Ratings published

Once the review period has ended, the final ratings are published on the national registers.

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The following tables outline the national quality rating and assessment process for evaluation of services against the National Quality Standards and the National Regulations. It is designed to be a cooperative process with opportunities for services to discuss how they are meeting the National Quality Standards and enhancing outcomes for children.

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Regulatory authorities administer the National Quality Framework (NQF) in each state and territory, usually as part of that state or territory's education department or agency.

In most cases the regulatory authority is the first point of contact for providers. They are responsible for:

granting approvals, including provider approval and service approvals

assessing and rating services against the National Quality Standard

working with ACECQA to promote continuous quality improvement and educating the sector and community about the NQF.

Regulatory authorities also have a range of powers and tools to facilitate continuous improvement and ensure compliance with the NQF, including the ability to issue compliance notices.

Contact your regulatory authority for enquiries about:

submitting application and notification forms

provider and service applications and approvals

supervisor certificates (in WA only)

temporary and service waivers

assessment and rating

compliance

state or territory specific transition and savings provisions

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Regulatory authorities administer the National Quality Framework (NQF) in each state and territory, usually as part of that state or territory's education department or agency. In most cases the regulatory authority is the first point of contact for providers.