At Grace Village Early Learning Centre in Huntingwood they go “above and beyond” to cater for the children in their care.
Which is, no doubt, why the centre has been rated as “Exceeding National Quality Standard” under the National Quality Framework.
The National Quality Standard (NQS) sets a benchmark for the quality of children’s education and care services across Australia.
Services are assessed against the NQS by the state or territory regulatory authority and receive a rating for each of the seven quality areas of the NQS, as well as an overall rating.
“An overall rating of Exceeding NQS is given to services that go above and beyond the requirements of the NQS in at least four of the seven quality areas,” Culture and happiness director Chantel Grace said.
To that end the centre offers the children in their care a range of unique spaces which aim to enhance the early learning experience for all ages.
“These include our ‘artelier’ room (art room), an indoor arena (a unique indoor play space) and two natural outdoor play spaces which includes a community garden ,” Ms Grace said.
“Our indoor area supports children during different weather conditions when they can’t, or may not be able, to play outside. This space also accommodates our additional curriculum offerings, centre events and varying weather conditions.”
Teaching director Amanda Harris said the centre’s philosophy involves an increased dedication to creating a home like environment with real-life furniture and dramatic play corners using recycled items from home.
“Natural materials foster shared thinking, open-ended learning, unstructured play and problem-solving,” Ms Grace said.
“Natural resources – including sticks – support children with an appropriate level of risk-taking and connection with nature. Our exposure to living things, such as bugs, lizards, and birds, supports children’s understanding of caring for the importance of the natural world.”
Ms Grace said when creating the centre they reflected on the importance of having “real things” for the children.
“This is why we now involve families more in supporting us with our resources, having them bring items from home to add to our learning spaces.”
Operational director Raymond Grace said: “We are delighted with our outcome, especially considering the latest ACECQA NQF snapshot Q3 2023 report. This report acknowledges the 2018 NQS, which has raised the bar for services aiming to attain an overall Exceeding NQS rating. Furthermore, as most services have undergone multiple quality assessments and ratings, achieving a lower subsequent rating is now more likely to face challenges from service providers.”
The National Quality Framework (NQF) for early childhood education and care was agreed by all Australian governments to achieve better educational and development outcomes for children using education and care services.
Implementation of the NQF is guided by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). To find out more information about the NQF and service ratings, visit the ACECQA website or ACECQA’s family focused website, Starting Blocks.
To find out more about enrolments at Grace Village Early Learning Centre you can visit their website at www.gracevillage.com.au.