Harrisdale Early Learning Centre rated “Exceeding” National Quality Standards
We are proud to announce that Child Australia’s Harrisdale Early Learning Centre has recently achieved an “Exceeding” rating on the National Quality Standards (NQS) assessment. This is a significant achievement for the centre and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff and educators who have worked tirelessly to provide high-quality care and education to children.
“We are super proud of achieving an Exceeding rating”, said Sara Hinchley, Executive Director Services & Programs.
“This was the first time our Harrisdale centre participated in an Assessment and Rating process, which makes this an even more significant achievement. We have an exceptional staff team and a wonderful supporting community. Child Australia is committed to providing Quality Education and Care for all children attending our early Learning and Outside School Hours Care Services.“
“The service’s philosophy states, ‘we believe that having fun is a key component in building strong professional relationships.’
It was evident that an emphasis is placed on this, as the service prioritised the events coordinated and implemented by the wellbeing champions and all educators were actively involved in these experiences.”
The NQS is a national system that sets a benchmark for the quality of education and care provided by early childhood education and care services in Australia. It is overseen by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and is based on seven quality areas that reflect the outcomes that matter most to children’s development and wellbeing. These quality areas include:
- Educational program and practice
- Children’s health and safety
- Physical environment
- Staffing arrangements
- Relationships with children
- Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
- Governance and leadership
Each quality area has a set of standards and elements that service providers are assessed against. The assessment process involves a comprehensive evaluation of the service’s performance across all seven quality areas and allows assessors to provide feedback such as these provided for Harrisdale
“The service’s approach to curriculum decision-making reflects the community context of the service and welcomes, respects and draws on the voices, priorities and strengths of the families and the local schools.”
“The service’s approach to assessment and planning, welcomes, respects, and draws on the voices, priorities and strengths of the children and families.”
“All members of the service team recognise diversity as a strength and work together to promote a culture of inclusiveness and sense of belonging for all children, families, and the community, including cultivating a deep respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures”.
“Harrisdale’s Exceeding Rating is a reflection of all the hard work and dedication that has gone into the service over the last 4 years” said Casey Girdlestone, Practice Improvement Manager.
“It is a reflection of the amazing Leadership Teams we have had and currently have and all the Educators who have supported us in this journey. We are looking forward to being able to provide High Quality Education and Care to the children and families in our community for years to come”