Scope

This policy applies to all employees of the Akidamy who are responsible for the education and care of children in Australia. It ensures compliance with the standards set by the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and promotes the delivery of high-quality early childhood education and care services in accordance with the National Quality Framework.

Audience

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and representatives of the Akidamy who are involved in the provision of education and care services to children in Australia. This includes, but is not limited to, early childhood educators, childcare providers, teachers, and support staff.

Information about ACECQA

Regulatory authorities administer the National Quality Framework (NQF) in each state and territory, usually as part of that state or territory’s education department or agency.

In most cases the regulatory authority is the first point of contact for providers. They are responsible for:

• granting approvals, including provider approval and service approvals
• assessing and rating services against the National Quality Standard
• working with ACECQA to promote continuous quality improvement and educating the sector and community about the NQF.

Regulatory authorities also have a range of powers and tools to facilitate continuous improvement and ensure compliance with the NQF, including the ability to issue compliance notices.

Contact your regulatory authority for enquiries about:

• submitting application and notification forms
• provider and service applications and approvals
• temporary and service waivers
• assessment and rating
• compliance
• state or territory-specific transition and savings provisions

In Western Australia (WA)

Department of Communities, Education and Care Regulatory Unit (ECRU). When, Why and how you can contact ECRU can be found at this link or is summarised below in the table. 

Australia Children's Education & Care Quality Authority

Compliance with ACECQA Standards

All employees must comply with the ACECQA standards to ensure the provision of high-quality early childhood education and care services. This includes understanding and implementing the National Quality Standard, the National Law, and the National Regulations as prescribed by ACECQA.

Employees must familiarise themselves with the ACECQA Quality Areas and Standards and consistently work towards meeting these requirements in their day-to-day practice. Regular training and professional development opportunities will be provided to ensure employees remain up-to-date with any changes or updates to the ACECQA standards.

Documentation and Record-Keeping

All required documentation and records related to children's education and care must be completed accurately and in a timely manner. This includes, but is not limited to, enrolment forms, incident reports, learning and development documentation, health records, and any other relevant documentation specified by ACECQA or applicable legislation.

Employees must ensure that documentation is stored securely and that access to sensitive information is restricted to authorised personnel only. Any breach of confidentiality will be considered a violation of this policy.

Safe and Inclusive Environment

Employees must create a safe and inclusive environment that promotes the well-being, health, and development of all children. This includes implementing strategies to manage risks, maintaining appropriate ratios of staff to children, fostering positive relationships, and respecting the diversity of all individuals.

Employees must also adhere to the child safety and protection policies and procedures implemented by the Akidamy to ensure the safety and welfare of children attending the education and care service.

Professionalism and Continuous Improvement

Employees are expected to demonstrate professionalism and a commitment to ongoing professional development. This includes maintaining appropriate qualifications, participating in relevant training, and engaging in reflective practice to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Employees must actively contribute to the implementation of quality improvement plans and engage in continuous self-assessment and evaluation to enhance the quality of education and care services provided by the Akidamy. This may involve participating in quality assurance processes, attending team meetings, and sharing best practices.

Violation and Disciplinary Action

Any employee found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, which may include, but is not limited to, verbal or written warnings, suspension, termination of employment, or legal action in serious cases.

Employees are encouraged to report any concerns or breaches of this policy to their immediate supervisor or the designated authority within the Akidamy. Whistleblower protections are in place to ensure that employees can report any unethical or unlawful behaviour without fear of reprisal.