The National Quality Standard sets a new national benchmark for the quality of education and care services.

It will also give services and families a better understanding of a quality service. This will enable families to make informed decisions about the services providing education and care to their child. The National Quality Standard is a key aspect of the National Quality Framework. It brings together the seven key quality areas that are important to outcomes for children.

The National Quality Standard is accompanied by a national quality rating and assessment process that reflects a national approach to the assessment and reporting of the quality of education and care services across the variety of service settings. The availability of this information promotes transparency and accountability and will help parents make informed choices regarding the quality of education and care at a service. Each service will receive a rating for each quality area and an overall rating.

In making decisions about operating education and care services and working to achieve the National Quality Standard to improve quality at services, the guiding principles of the National Quality Framework apply. These principles are:

• The rights and best interests of the child are paramount.

• Children are successful, competent and capable learners.

• Equity, inclusion and diversity underpin the framework.

• Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are valued.

• The role of parents and families is respected and supported

• Best practice is expected in the provision of education and care services.