What Is Assessment and Rating in Early Childhood Education and Care?
Families often see assessment and rating displayed at their child’s centre, but may wonder what it really means. Assessment and rating is a national process that ensures early childhood education and care services meet high standards for quality, safety and learning.
At Tillys, assessment and rating plays an important role in maintaining the high-quality education and care we provide to children and families.
Who Oversees Assessment and Rating?
The national governing body responsible for assessment and rating is the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
ACECQA works alongside state and territory regulatory authorities to:
- Guide quality standards in early childhood education and care
- Oversee the assessment and rating system
- Ensure services are meeting national expectations
- Support continuous improvement across the sector
In New South Wales, services are regulated by the NSW Regulatory Authority, which works under the national framework set by ACECQA.
The National Quality Framework
Assessment and rating sits within the National Quality Framework (NQF), which applies across Australia. The NQF includes:
- The National Quality Standard (NQS)
- Approved learning frameworks (EYLF and MTOP)
- National Laws and Regulations
- Assessment and rating of services
Together, these ensure consistency, quality and accountability in early childhood education and care.
What Is the Assessment and Rating Process?
Assessment and rating is a thorough process where authorised officers visit a service to assess how well it meets the seven Quality Areas of the National Quality Standard:
- Educational program and practice
- Children’s health and safety
- Physical environment
- Staffing arrangements
- Relationships with children
- Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
- Governance and leadership
During the process, assessors observe practice, review documentation and speak with educators, leadership and families.
How Often Does Assessment and Rating Occur?
Services are assessed and rated on a cycle, typically every four years, or sooner if required. Newly open services are usually assessed and rated approximately 9-18 months after opening. The process includes:
- A notification period
- On-site assessment visits
- Draft and final reports
- An overall service rating
Ratings reflect how well a service meets or exceeds the National Quality Standard at the time of assessment.
How Tillys Adheres to These Standards
At Tillys, quality is part of our everyday practice — not just something we prepare for during assessment and rating.
We ensure ongoing compliance and best practice by:
- Following NSW and Australian laws and regulations
- Using the EYLF and MTOP to guide learning
- Regularly reviewing policies and procedures
- Engaging in continuous improvement
- Supporting and training educators
- Reflecting on feedback from families and staff
Assessment and rating is an opportunity for reflection, growth and celebration of quality practice.
How Families Can Be Involved
Families play an important role in assessment and rating. You can be involved by:
- Sharing feedback and suggestions with educators or leadership
- Participating in surveys or conversations
- Engaging with your child’s learning and documentation
- Providing feedback during assessment visits if invited
- Partnering with educators to support your child’s development
Strong partnerships with families are a key part of quality early learning.
Where Families Can See Service Ratings
Families can view the current assessment and rating of early childhood services by:
- Checking the rating displayed at the centre
- Visiting the ACECQA website, which lists ratings for all approved services across Australia
- Asking centre leadership for more information
These ratings help families make informed choices and understand the quality of education and care being provided.
Quality You Can Trust
Assessment and rating helps ensure children across Australia receive safe, high-quality education and care. At Tillys, we are proud to work within this framework, using it to guide continuous improvement and provide the best possible outcomes for children and families.
If you ever have questions about assessment and rating, our team is always happy to talk and support your understanding. 🌱