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New guide to the National Quality Framework
Out now | All services

The new Guide to the National Quality Framework (NQF) is designed to help education and care providers, educators and authorised officers understand and apply the requirements of the NQF.

The Guide has been designed as an online document and will be updated as required. The first update is planned for release in early 2018 to reflect the revised National Quality Standard (NQS) from 1 February 2018. For example, some regulation references will change when the revised NQS is introduced.

Check out the Guide now - see: Guide to the National Quality Framework

NQF forums coming up
November and December | Centre-based services

Book now to attend forums discussing the new National Quality Framework. Locations are throughout the state and places are filling fast. See: NQF Forums for details

New regulations published
FYI | All services

The current Education and Care Services National Regulations are now available online. Read the full regulations here: Education and Care Services National Regulations

Using glass in early childhood education and care services
FYI | All services

Earlier this year, a five-year-old child leaned on a glass window at a service, which smashed. The child sustained a severe laceration to the wrist that required hospitalisation.

Section 167 of the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 requires that education and care services take every reasonable precaution to project children from harm and from hazards likely to cause injury. Quality area 3 of the National Quality Standard also includes element 3.1.1 which stipulates that outdoor and indoor spaces, buildings, furniture, equipment, facilities and resources are suitable for their purpose.

WorkSafe has prepared some advice on how services can manage the risks of glass in their service.

Find out more: Use of glass in workplaces providing early childhood education and care services

Get instant feedback on the food you supply with FoodChecker
FYI | For all services

Get a free and instant assessment of the food and drinks you supply with a new Victorian Government website, FoodChecker!

FoodChecker is the new online way to review menus, products and recipes against Victorian food and drink guidelines for your service

FoodChecker gives you instant feedback on foods and drinks, with tailored recommendations for healthy changes. You can also save your favourite recipes, print out menus and generate a handy shopping list.

You can use FoodChecker to review entire menus, as well as individual recipes and branded products. You can also use FoodChecker to create future menus that meet guidelines, or find healthier product alternatives.

With FoodChecker, you can assess menus, products and recipes
and get tailored feedback immediately

Get started today at http://foodchecker.heas.health.vic.gov.au

FoodChecker is brought to you by the Healthy Eating Advisory Service, which is delivered by Nutrition Australia Vic Division and supported by the Victorian Government.