11 January 2023

Changes to the NQF are coming in 2023

A reminder to all our members that some key changes to the National Quality Framework (NQF) will be implemented in 2023. These changes flow from the 2019 Review of the National Quality Framework and will be implemented in stages throughout 2023 through amendments to the Education and Care Services National Law and National Regulations.

ACECQA is currently working with all Governments to develop guidance and resources to guide services through the changes and what they must do as a result. This guidance and resources will be provided in advance of the changes taking effect. Changes to the ‘Guide to the NQF’ will also be made.

Most changes to the NQF are expected to be in place from mid-2023 and will affect policies, procedures and practices related to safe transport, transitions, emergency evacuations and safe sleep practices.

For family day care there will be additional requirements related to:

• safe sleep policies, procedures and practices;
• minimum qualifications for family day care educators;
• how services may organize family day care coordinators to monitor and support educators to increase flexibility;
• details services must include in the FDC register;
• regulations applying to family day care residences and venues that have swimming pools; and
• height requirements for safety glass in family day care residences and venues.

For a complete summary of the forthcoming changes, head to the NQF Review website to download the Summary of the 2019 NQF Review outcomes table .

FDCA will continue to share updates on the expected implementation of these changes to the NQF as they become available. 

More than just great insurance

When educators and services insure with FDCA, they become part of the largest community of family day care professionals across Australia.

Our insurance packages include access to all the benefits of membership to support you and your business to thrive, including:

• Real-time business, administration and regulatory support 
• The FDCA Locator Tool, to market your business to Australian families looking for care
• Free, customisable marketing materials and resources on the Market My Business Hub to help your business stand out from the crowd
• Australia’s only magazine dedicated to family day care, JiGSAW
• A peak body that represents, supports and promotes the sector on a national scale
• Events and networking opportunities tailored to family day care

Trusted by educators and services for over 30 years, FDCA’s insurance packages will give you and your business the best possible protection - so that you can get on with the important job of providing quality education and care to children.

If you’d like to learn more about accessing your member benefits, or to simply have a chat with our friendly support staff, please call us on 1800 659 699 or send us an enquiry at enquiries@fdca.com.au.

Safety of children in motor vehicles

Services and educators are required to be vigilant when it comes to assessing and mitigating road safety risks. Policies and procedures governing the safe transportation of children are a requirement under the National Regulations following regulatory changes in 2021.

When it comes to the safety of children in motor vehicles, it’s a good idea to refresh your knowledge on the proper application of restraints.

Appropriate choice of restraints

Children should always be placed in the most appropriate Australian Standards approved restraint for their size when travelling in motor vehicles, meaning:

• Children should use a rearward facing child restraint until they outgrow it.
  
  
• Children who have outgrown a rearward facing child restraint should use a forward facing child restraint with an inbuilt harness until they outgrow it.
  
  
• Children who have outgrown their forward facing child restraint with inbuilt harness should use a booster seat with a lap-sash seat belt, until they can obtain a good seat belt fit in an adult seat belt.
  
  
• Children using seat belts should use a lap-sash seat belt whenever possible. Lap-only belts should only be used when no lap sash belt is available.

Your local state or territory government will have rules in place regarding mandatory restraint requirements for children of different ages.

Additionally, some organisations will offer training and fitting of child restraints for your business or service.

For more information on motor vehicle and transportation safety, visit Kidsafe’s latest report here.

Stay up to date with sector news, events and initiatives on the FDCA Facebook page

The FDCA Facebook page is your one-stop shop for sector news and media updates, along with information on important events and the latest initiatives for our members.

Make sure to like and follow the page for your weekly dose of all things family day care.

We are close to hitting 41,000 followers, giving us even more opportunities to promote the fantastic work that comes out of our sector.

Our Facebook page is also another way to connect with the team here at FDCA. Share your recent activities with us or send us a question, we’d love to hear from you!