Northern Beaches Council’s Dee Why Children’s Centre has been officially rated as ‘Exceeding the National Quality Standard’ under the National Quality Framework.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the National Quality Standard (NQS) sets the national benchmark for the quality of children’s education and care services across Australia.

“Dee Why Children’s Centre now ranks among the top nine percent in New South Wales for the standard of services they provide to children and families.

“The ranking attests to the high levels of commitment and professionalism of Northern Beaches Council’s childhood educators. They’re most deserving of our congratulations.” Mayor Regan said.

Services are assessed against the NQS by the NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate and receive a rating for each of seven quality areas of the standard as well as an overall rating.

An overall rating of ‘Exceeding’ is given only to services that go above and beyond the requirements of the Standard.

The NQS Assessment Officer commented in their report on Dee Why Children’s Centre:

“Your service is commended on its achievements in Exceeding the National Quality Standard. In particular, careful planning, reflective practice and willingness to collaborate with families and other community organisations to enhance children’s learning and wellbeing demonstrate the commitment to quality by educators at your service.

“Management and educators demonstrated a willingness to consistently reflect on service processes to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and families are present.

“Practices within service delivery are fostered around meaningful engagement with families and the wider community.”

In February 2018, the NQS tightened the ‘Exceeding’ service criteria, from 30 percent to nine making it more difficult to reach this rating.