02 March 2026

Changes to assessment and rating process 

From March 2026, the Education Standards Board (ESB) will introduce changes to the commencement of assessment and rating (A&R) process. The Guide to the National Quality Framework (NQF) outlines what approved providers and services can expect as part of the A&R process. The following changes will apply:  

• The notice period in the Commencement of Assessment and Rating letter for services to provide their Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) will reduce to five days to align with national A&R practices, which were introduced as part of the 2019 NQF review. QIPs must be updated at least annually in accordance with Regulation 56 of the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 (National Regulations), and should accurately represent typical service practice, without creating unnecessary pressure ahead of an A&R. There is no expectation the QIP is updated for the purpose of an A&R.
   
• Services will no longer be required to complete the ESB Self-Assessment Tool (SAT). Instead, services will be encouraged to use the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) SAT as part of ongoing self-assessment to evaluate the quality of their education and care practices and where needed, inform their QIP. We encourage that services undertake a self-assessment annually, however, there is no requirement under the National Regulations.

The A&R Process

A Regulatory Officer will contact the service five days prior to the A&R to organise a visit and will then issue commencement information formally.

ESB has recently undertaken Pre-A&R visits to services who were rated under the 2012 National Quality Standards (NQS). During Pre-A&R visits, areas which commonly required strengthening were identified in the following Elements:

• 2.1.2 - Health practices and procedures
   
• 2.2.1 - Supervision
   
• 2.2.2 - Incident and emergency management
   
• 3.1.1 - Fit for purpose
   
• 3.1.2 - Upkeep
   
• 7.1.2 - Management systems

The period between Pre-A&R and the A&R is an opportunity for services to address rectifications or improvements.

Resources for approved providers and services

Guide to the NQF

ACECQA – Quality Improvement Plan and Self-Assessment Tool

Education and Care Services National Regulations

Education and Early Childhood Services (Registration and Standards) Act 2011

Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010