Focus area 1

The National Quality Framework for OSHC

Understand educator roles, the NQF, National Law and Regulations, quality standards and professional expectations.

Approx Duration45min
Structure13 Lessons

The National Quality Framework for OSHC

About this course

This course introduces the legal, regulatory and quality frameworks that guide OSHC services across Australia, with children’s safety, rights and best interests at the centre. You will look at how the National Quality Framework, child safe requirements, service roles, and policies and procedures fit together and shape everyday practice. You will finish understanding your responsibilities as an educator and how you contribute to safe, high-quality education and care.

Learning objectives

By the end of this focus area, you will be able to:

  • Apply the paramountcy principle and uphold children’s rights
  • Describe the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
  • Explain the purpose, objectives and guiding principles of the NQF
  • Identify the key governance roles in an education and care service
  • Recognise the National Law provisions that apply to educators
  • Explain how the National Regulations support the National Law
  • Find, follow and raise concerns about your service’s current policies and procedures
  • Understand the National Quality Standard and its seven Quality Areas
  • Explain the assessment and rating process and how educators contribute to continuous improvement
  • Identify the approved learning frameworks used in OSHC
  • Connect children’s rights, child safe practice and the NQF to your everyday responsibilities as an educator

Lessons for this module

1. Focus Area 1: The National Quality Framework for OSHC

Understand educator roles, the NQF, National Law and Regulations, quality standards and professional expectations.

Approx Duration 3 min
2. Children’s Safety, Rights and Best Interests

Understand educator roles, the NQF, National Law and Regulations, quality standards and professional expectations.

Approx Duration 3 min
3. Child Safe Organisations

Understand educator roles, the NQF, National Law and Regulations, quality standards and professional expectations.

Approx Duration 3 min
4. The National Quality Framework (NQF)

Understand educator roles, the NQF, National Law and Regulations, quality standards and professional expectations.

Approx Duration 3 min
5. Key Organisational Governance Roles

Understand educator roles, the NQF, National Law and Regulations, quality standards and professional expectations.

Approx Duration 3 min
6. Education and Care National Law

Understand educator roles, the NQF, National Law and Regulations, quality standards and professional expectations.

Approx Duration 3 min
7. Education and Care Services National Regulations

Understand educator roles, the NQF, National Law and Regulations, quality standards and professional expectations.

Approx Duration 3 min
8. Policies and Procedures

From Legislation to Organisational Practice Services use policies and procedures to set out how legal and regulatory requirements will be met in their day-to-day operations. They provide clear expectations for how particular situations and responsibilities are managed within the service. Policies should be informed by the service’s statement of philosophy, current research, recognised best practice and […]

Approx Duration 3 min
9. Case Study: That’s How We’ve Always Done It

In this case study you will follow Kai, an experienced OSHC educator who has recently started at a new service. At each stage, you will be asked to think about what Kai should do. The aim is to help you understand why educators need to follow their current service’s policies and procedures, and what to […]

Approx Duration 3 min
10. National Quality Standard

The Seven Quality Areas Each quality area contains standards and elements that describe the level of quality expected of education and care services. 2026 NQS Poster – ACECQA 1

Approx Duration 3 min
11. Assessment, Rating and Continuous Improvement

Continuous Quality Improvement Element 7.2.1 – Continuous improvement requires an effective self-assessment and quality improvement process to be in place. Self-assessment involves reviewing service practice against the NQS and relevant regulatory requirements to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Critical reflection is part of this process and involves examining practice, considering different perspectives and using this […]

Approx Duration 3 min
12. Approved Learning Frameworks

The Role of Approved Learning Frameworks Under the National Law, education and care services must provide an educational program that is based on and delivered in accordance with an approved learning framework. The program must be based on the developmental needs, interests and experiences of each child and consider individual differences. Approved learning frameworks provide the […]

Approx Duration 3 min
13. Bringing it all Together

Understand educator roles, the NQF, National Law and Regulations, quality standards and professional expectations.

Approx Duration 3 min