About Us

Forest Hill Community Preschool is a community based, not-for-profit organisation, who receives funding from the state government and is regulated, licensed and funded by the Department of Early Childhood Education and Care (www.dec.nsw.gov.au). The Preschool works under National Quality Standards and National Quality Framework and Early Years Learning Framework which is overseen by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
 
Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA)
 
ACECQA is a national entity, which will oversee important changes to early childhood education and care and school age care in Australia. Education and care plays a vital role in the lives of Australian children and their families and we want the best possible outcomes for our children. They will oversee the National Quality Standard and how it is applied across the country and ensure that services are meeting the new requirements.
 
ACECQA is responsible for the following;

1. Reporting to and advising the Ministerial Council on the National Quality Framework
2. Promoting continuous quality improvement by approved education and care services
3. Keeping national information on the assessment, rating and regulation of education and care services
4. Educating and informing services and the community about the National Quality Framework
5. Determining the qualifications and providing support and training for staff of Regulatory Authorities
6. Deciding the qualifications required to be held by educators, including assessment of equivalent qualifications

For more information go to www.acecqa.gov.au
                                         
National Quality Framework
 
The National Quality Framework took effect on 1 January 2012 with key requirements being phased in over time. Requirements such as qualification, educator-to-child ratios and other key staffing arrangements will be phased in between 2012 and 2020.
The new system replaced state and territory licensing and national quality assurance process, (previously Children’s Services and National Childcare Accreditation Council).
 
The objectives of the National Quality Framework are;

1. To ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of children attending education and care services
2. To improve the educational and developmental outcomes for children attending education and care
3. To promote continuous improvement in the provision of quality education and care services

National Quality Standards
 
The National Quality Standard sets a new national benchmark for the quality of education and care services. It will also give services and families a better understanding of a quality service. This will enable families to make informed decisions about the services providing education and care to their child. The National Quality Standard is a key aspect of the National Quality Framework. It brings together the seven key quality areas that are important to the outcomes for children.
 
The seven quality areas are:

1. Educational program and practice
2. Children’s health and safety
3. Physical environment
4. Staffing arrangements
5. Relationships with children
6. Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
7. Leadership and service management

The National Quality Standard contains 18 standards with two or three standards in each quality area. These standards are high-level outcome statements. Under each standard sit elements that describe the outcomes that contribute to the standard being achieved. There are 58 elements in total.
 
If families require more information on National Quality Standards please speak to the Preschool’s Director or go to www.acecqa.gov.au
 
Preschool Policies and Quality Improvement Plan
 
Forest Hill Community Preschool‘s policies are located in the library and are  available on this website.
Policies are reviewed regularly.
​ If you have any queries regarding these policies please see the Director.
Parents are invited and encouraged to contribute to policy development and our quality improvement plan.
 
Early Years Learning Framework
 
The Early Years Learning Framework aims to extend and enrich children’s learning from birth to five years and through the transitions to school. The framework provides broad direction for educators in early childhood settings to facilitate children’s learning. It guides educators in their curriculum decision-making and assists planning, implementation and evaluations.
 
The framework has specific emphasis on play-based learning and it communicates these expectations through the following five Learning Outcomes:

1. Children have a strong sense of identity
2. Children are connected with and contribute to the world
3. Children have  strong sense of wellbeing
4. Children are involved and confident learners
5. Children are effective communicators.

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