Our Pakenham centre and Macarthur Square centre recently achieved Exceeding results through the National Quality Standard (NQS). This is an incredible result and we’re very proud of our teams for making this happen!
What is the National Quality Standard (NQS?)
The NQS is a national benchmark used in Australia to assess early learning and outside school hours care services. There are seven quality areas which services are rated against. These are:
- 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
What is an Exceeding rating?
To achieve an Exceeding rating, early learning centres must meet all of the quality areas and exceed in at least four of them. At least two of the exceeding areas must be in the educational program and practice, relationships with children, collaborative partnerships with families and communities, or governance and leadership.
What were our results?
Both Pakenham and Macarthur Square achieved the Exceeding rating. Our Pakenham Early Learning Centre achieved exceeding in all seven quality areas.
This result is not easy to achieve, especially in early learning. It reflects years of hard work to:
- Build strong teams
- Embed quality practice
- Create safe environments where children and families feel supported.
Across both centres, the NQS assessments also highlighted our positive team culture and educators who support children through collaborative play, meaningful engagement and ongoing reflection.
Discover our Exceeding early learning centres
Our Pakenham and Macarthur Square centres join a growing family of Y Early Learning Centres proudly holding this achievement.
Our ‘Exceeding’ centres also include Clyde North, Clyde North Moroak Crescent, Derrimut, Kororoit Creek and Torquay. Each of these centres go above and beyond several NQS quality areas to deliver high-quality education and care.
Want to see the difference for yourself? Find a Y early learning centre to book a tour and discover how we can support your family. Together, we're helping every child grow, learn and belong.
