The quality framework is divided into nine key areas under the six questions and can be evaluated against the six-point scale.6
WHAT OUTCOMES HAVE WE ACHIEVED?
Key Area 1 focuses on how well the centre is responding to its vision and values as a centre community. Key Area 1 also focuses on the extent to which the centre fulfils legislative requirements, follows appropriate codes of best practice and is financially secure.
HOW WELL DO WE MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR EARLY EDUCATION CENTRE?
Key Areas 2, 3 and 4 focus on the centre’s impact on those it serves – children, parents, carers and families, and the community.
HOW GOOD IS THE EDUCATION WE PROVIDE?
Key Area 5 focuses on the core work of the centre. The activities which the indicators describe are key responsibilities of individual staff, and of teams. Key Area 5 also looks at the quality of the centre’s processes for improving its work.
HOW GOOD IS OUR MANAGEMENT?
Key Areas 6, 7 and 8 focus on the management activities which enable good learning and teaching to prosper. They do not of themselves guarantee that the educational experiences of children will be interesting or productive or that they will achieve well, but they are important in enabling that to happen.
HOW GOOD IS OUR LEADERSHIP?
Key Area 9 focuses on the leadership of the centre. It looks at its vision and values, how these have been developed by the centre community and how they are used to drive the centre forward.
WHAT IS OUR CAPACITY FOR IMPROVEMENT?
Underpinning all of the key areas is this final question.