Module 2

The National Quality Framework (NQF)

Builds the regulatory knowledge and practical skills that approved providers and service leaders need to confidently comply with the National Quality Framework.

Approx Duration1h
Structure12 Lessons

The National Quality Framework (NQF)

About This Course

This module provides volunteer management committees acting as approved providers with a comprehensive understanding of the National Quality Framework and the regulatory obligations that govern OSHC services in Queensland, from educator ratios and qualification requirements, roles and responsibilities established under the National Law, navigating Queensland's compliance priorities and the seven Quality Areas of the NQS, to implementing the My Time, Our Place learning framework and meeting evolving child safety requirements, this module builds the knowledge needed to deliver compliant, safe, high-quality services with confidence.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • Understand the application of the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations to OSHC services in Queensland
  • Identify Queensland regulatory priorities and steps to minimise compliance risks
  • Develop and implement effective policies and procedures that meet regulatory requirements
  • Ensure educators are equipped to follow policies through reasonable steps
  • Apply the National Quality Standard to OSHC contexts and understand the assessment process
  • Understand Quality Improvement Planning processes and requirements
  • Understand the approved learning framework My Time, Our Place and its application to OSHC programs
  • Recognise and follow child safety requirements

Lessons for this module

1. The National Quality Framework Introduction

An overview of the module's purpose and learning objectives, introducing the National Quality Framework for volunteer committee members acting as approved providers of regulated ECEC services.

Approx Duration 5 min
2. Overview of the National Quality Framework (NQF)

Examines the core operational requirements OSHC services must comply with, including educator-to-child ratios, qualification requirements, physical environment standards, and health, safety and wellbeing obligations.

Approx Duration 5 min
3. The Paramountcy Principle

Why This Principle Exists Every organisation that works with children operates at the intersection of two worlds. The Child Death Review Board’s In Plain Sight report, an investigation into systemic responses to child sexual abuse, put this tension into words that every governance volunteer should sit with: The paramountcy principle is the law’s answer to […]

Approx Duration 5 min
4. The National Law and Regulations

Introduces the NQF, Australia's national approach to regulating and improving education and care services, covering its four key components, its purpose and objectives, and the role of Queensland's regulatory authority.

Approx Duration 5 min
5. Queensland Regulatory Priorities and Compliance

Explores the current compliance priorities for Queensland OSHC services, drawing on real-world case studies to highlight common compliance failures and practical strategies to minimise regulatory risk.

Approx Duration 5 min
6. Roles and Responsibilities Under the Law

Outlines the legal obligations of each role in the National Law's three-tiered accountability structure and explains what individual due diligence looks like in practice.

Approx Duration 5 min
7. Policies and procedures Framework

Explains why policies and procedures are critical governance tools, what policies are required under the National Regulations, and what it means for approved providers to take "reasonable steps" to ensure staff follow them.

Approx Duration 5 min
8. The National Quality Standard (NQS)

Provides an overview of the seven Quality Areas of the NQS, how services are assessed and rated against them, and what each rating level means for an OSHC service.

Approx Duration 5 min
9. Continuous Improvement

Covers the purpose and regulatory requirements of the Quality Improvement Plan (QIP), and guides participants through the process of developing an effective QIP as both a compliance document and a strategic tool.

Approx Duration 5 min
10. The Approved Learning Framework – My Time, Our Place

Introduces My Time, Our Place (MTOP), the nationally approved learning framework for OSHC, including its five learning outcomes, guiding principles, and how it connects to program planning and delivery.

Approx Duration 5 min
11. Child Safety

Covers child safety requirements for OSHC services, including the Child Safe Standards, mandatory reporting obligations, Working with Children Check requirements, and the significant legislative reforms to child safety that rolled out across 2025–2026.

Approx Duration 5 min
12. The NQF Conclusion and Next Steps

Summarises the module's key takeaways and outlines next steps for participants to continue building their knowledge, including completing mandatory national child safety training and engaging with their service's Quality Improvement Plan.

Approx Duration 5 min