To become an approved provider and opening a childcare service, you need obtain two approvals, each serving different purposes and granted separately by either the Australian Government or the State/Territory Government.
Provider and Service approval from your State or Territory Government
This approval is required under the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 and administered by state/territory regulatory authorities. To get this approval, you need to demonstrate your understanding of [1]
- local government planning controls
- working with children or vulnerable person checks and child protection laws
- health department rules
- food safety requirements.
You need to get your Provider approval before you can apply for service approvals. Service approvals are provided on application based on the type of care provided (e.g., long day care, family day care, outside school hours care) and the individual site/premises where the service will operate.
Provider and Service approval from the Australian Government
This approval is required by Family Assistance Law to ensure you are suitable to administer Child Care Subsidy. The Australian Government will assess your application to administer Child Care Subsidy payments. This is known as Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approval.
To be approved to administer Child Care Subsidy (CCS) at your service, you must meet the provider eligibility rules:
- be approved to operate in your state or territory
- be a specified legal entity
- have an ABN
- financially viable if you are large providers
- ensure persons with management or control be fit and proper
- meet the operating requirements for your care type
- satisfy any other conditions deemed relevant
More information on the requirements for CCS approval can be found here: https://www.education.gov.au/early-childhood/approval/check-your-eligibility
And operate at least one service that meets the service eligibility rules:
- provide an approved type of care: Centre Based Day Care; Outside School Hours Care; Family Day Care; In Home Care.
- Ensure persons responsible for day-to-day operations be fit and proper;
The applications to state/territory government and the Australian Government can be submitted at the same time.
More details on the steps to apply for the approvals can be found here: https://www.acecqa.gov.au/resources/opening-a-new-service#National%20Law%20approval.
What is National Quality Framework (NQF)?
The National Quality Framework (NQF) serves as Australia's comprehensive system for regulating early childhood education and care services. Its primary objective is to ensure consistency, quality, and safety across all aspects of early childhood education and care provision.
The NQF (National Quality Framework) implemented a new quality standard in 2012 aimed at enhancing education and care services across various sectors including long day care, family day care, preschool/kindergarten, and outside school hours care services.
This quality standard was introduced to uplift the overall quality of education and care provided to children in these settings. It encompasses guidelines, benchmarks, and expectations regarding various aspects such as curriculum, safety, health, and wellbeing.
The legislative framework serves as the cornerstone of the NQF, providing the necessary structure and foundation for its implementation and operation. It outlines the laws, regulations, and policies that govern the functioning of the NQF and ensures compliance with standards and requirements set forth by regulatory authorities.
How can I learn more?
Kelly Brown.
Associate.
- Property and Wills & Estates
- 03 9890 3321
- Email Address: k.brown@robinsongill.com.au
Serena Ding.
Principal.
- Property, Business & Public Notary
- 03 9890 3321
- Email Address: s.ding@robinsongill.com.au
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