Quality Area One

The aim of Quality Area 1 of the National Quality Standard is to ensure that the educational program and practice is stimulating and engaging, and enhances children’s learning and development. In school age care services, the program nurtures the development of life skills and complements children’s experiences, opportunities and relationships at school, at home and in the community.

Educational program and practice

Standard 1.1 - Program

The educational program enhances each child’s learning and development.

Element 1.1.1 - Approved learning framework 

Curriculum decision making contributes to each child’s learning and development outcomes in relation to their identity, connection with community, wellbeing, confidence as learners and effectiveness as communicators.

Element 1.1.2 - Child-centred

Each child’s current knowledge, strengths, ideas, culture, abilities and interests are the foundation of the program.

Element 1.1.3 - Program learning opportunities

All aspects of the program, including routines, are organised in ways that maximise opportunities for each child’s learning.

Standard 1.2

PracticeEducators facilitate and extend each child’s learning and development.

Element 1.2.1 - Intentional teaching 

Educators are deliberate, purposeful, and thoughtful in their decisions and actions.

Element 1.2.2 - Responsive teaching and scaffolding 

Educators respond to children’s ideas and play and extend children’s learning through open-ended questions, interactions and feedback.

Element 1.2.3 - Child directed learning 

Each child's agency is promoted, enabling them to make choices and decisions that influence events and their world.

Standard 1.3 - Assessment and planning

Educators and co-ordinators take a planned and reflective approach to implementing the program for each child.

Element 1.3.1 - Assessment and planning cycle

Each child’s learning and development is assessed or evaluated as part of an ongoing cycle of observation, analysing learning, documentation, planning, implementation and reflection.

Element 1.3.2 - Critical reflection

Critical reflection on children’s learning and development, both as individuals and in groups, drives program planning and implementation.

Element 1.3.3 - Information for families

Families are informed about the program and their child's progress.

Information obtained from https://www.acecqa.gov.au/nqf/national-quality-standard/quality-area-1-educational-program-and-practice