National Quality Standard

The National Quality Standard (NQS) is at the core of Australia’s National Quality Framework, setting the benchmark for excellence in early childhood education and care. It defines seven key quality areas that shape how services nurture children’s learning, safety, and wellbeing. For families in Wollongong and the Illawarra region, understanding the NQS helps you choose childcare with confidence and know what high-quality practice looks like in local centres.

This guide answers the following questions:

What is the National Quality Standard?

What are the 7 quality areas of the NQS?

Why does the NQS matter?

What is the National Quality Standard?

The National Quality Standard (NQS) describes what high-quality education and care looks like across seven key areas. Each approved service is assessed and rated by its regulatory authority, giving families clear and consistent information to help compare providers. Ratings are published and range from “Exceeding NQS” and “Meeting NQS” to “Working Towards NQS,” with exceptional services able to apply for the “Excellent” rating.

Child Care Guide has a detailed guide to the National Quality Standard.

The Seven Quality Areas

Educational Program & Practice – Services deliver engaging, play-based learning programs that extend children’s thinking, support development, and spark curiosity as they grow and prepare for school.
Children’s Health & Safety – Providers must maintain safe environments, prioritise wellbeing, follow robust supervision practices, and be prepared for health or emergency situations.
Physical Environment – Indoor and outdoor spaces should be well-designed, safe, accessible, and rich in opportunities for exploration, creativity, and active play.
Staffing Arrangements – Appropriate educator-to-child ratios, qualified staff, and stable team structures help ensure children receive consistent, high-quality learning and care.
Relationships with Children – Warm, respectful, and responsive interactions help children feel secure, valued, confident, and supported in their social and emotional development.
Collaborative Partnerships with Families & Communities – Services actively involve families in decision-making and build meaningful connections with their local community to enhance learning.
Governance & Leadership – Effective leadership, sound decision-making, and strong management practices support ongoing improvement and regulatory compliance.

Each quality area is assessed individually and then combined into an overall service rating, giving families a clear and easy way to identify strengths and potential areas for improvement at their chosen childcare service.

NQS Ratings and What They Mean

Rating	What It Means
Excellent	Awarded by ACECQA to services that demonstrate exemplary practice and leadership across all quality areas.
Exceeding NQS	The service goes beyond the standard in multiple quality areas, including core areas such as Educational Program and Practice.
Meeting NQS	The service meets the national benchmark, delivering quality outcomes across all seven areas.
Working Towards NQS	Some elements require improvement, but the service is being monitored and supported to meet the standard.
Significant Improvement Required	Immediate action is necessary for the service to meet minimum regulatory and safety requirements.

National Quality Standard in Wollongong

For parents comparing childcare options in Wollongong, the National Quality Standard (NQS) offers confidence that services are regularly assessed against clear national benchmarks. Many local long day care centres, preschools, and OSHC programs are rated “Meeting” or “Exceeding NQS,” while family day care schemes in the Illawarra are also reviewed and monitored through the same process. Before enrolling, it’s a good idea to ask for a service’s latest rating and how they are progressing with continuous improvement under the NQS.

How the National Quality Framework and National Quality Standard Work Together

Parents often come across both the National Quality Framework (NQF) and the National Quality Standard (NQS) when researching childcare. Although closely linked, they each serve a different role in ensuring consistent quality across Australia’s early learning sector.

Aspect	National Quality Framework (NQF)	National Quality Standard (NQS)
What it is	The national system that regulates and oversees early childhood education and care in Australia.	The benchmark within the NQF that outlines quality expectations across seven key areas.
Focus	Legislation, regulations, approved learning frameworks, assessment and rating, and oversight by ACECQA.	Practical quality standards for services, including educational programs, health and safety, relationships, and governance.
For Parents	Explains the legal and regulatory foundation of childcare in Australia.	Provides clear ratings — such as “Exceeding,” “Meeting,” or “Working Towards” — to help compare services.

Why the NQS Matters for Parents

Helps families compare services based on quality — not just price or convenience.
Provides transparency around educator qualifications, health and safety, and the standard of learning programs.
Supports confident decision-making when choosing between long day care, preschool, OSHC, or family day care.
Drives continuous improvement across the sector, ensuring better outcomes for children and families over time.

Frequently Asked Questions about the National Quality Standard

Q: How often are services assessed?
A: Most services are assessed every 3 to 5 years, but timing can vary. Services with lower ratings may be reassessed sooner, while those rated “Exceeding” may go longer between assessments.

Q: Can parents access the full report?
A: Yes. Services must display their current rating, and families can access reports through Starting Blocks or by asking the provider directly.

Q: Does an NQS rating affect fees?
A: No, ratings don’t directly set fees. However, higher-rated services may be in greater demand, which can influence waiting lists and enrolment availability.