| The Australian, state and territory education Ministers have agreed to changes to the National Quality Framework (NQF). The changes follow a review of the National Partnership Agreement on the National Quality Agenda for Early Childhood Education and Care to ensure the NQF is improving the quality of education and care in Australia in the most efficient and effective way. Proposed options for changes to the NQF were tested with the sector, families and communities. Overall, the review found the NQF is an important and successful reform with strong stakeholder support. However some technical and operational improvements are required after five years of operation. Key timeframes After passage through the Victorian Parliament, legislation changes will come into effect: 1 October 2017 – National Law and Regulations changes commence in all states and territories, except Western Australia. In Western Australia changes will commence by 1 October 2018 to allow for the legislation to pass through that parliament.
1 February 2018 – Revised National Quality Standard commences in all states and territories, including Western Australia. The Australian Government and state and territory governments thank the education and care sector for their feedback and commitment to improving and strengthening the NQF. All governments and ACECQA will be working to support the sector to prepare for these changes. Additional information, guidance and resources will be released over the coming months. Visit the Decision RIS information webpage for an overview of the changes. Read the Education Council's statement. You can stay informed of the latest updates by subscribing to the ACECQA newsletter. Share this newsletter with your colleagues and encourage them to subscribe. | 