AUS: Practical ways to improve your NQF/NQS Score in Quality Area 7

Quality Area 7: Governance and Leadership

Overview

Quality Area 7 emphasizes the importance of effective leadership and governance in establishing and maintaining quality environments for children’s learning and development. Effective leaders set clear directions for continuous improvement and share values that reflect the service’s context and professionalism. Governance pertains to the systems that support the service’s effective management and operation, aligning with its philosophy statement. A skilled workforce, sound administrative systems, well-documented policies, and a safe learning environment for children are essential. Continuous self-assessment, planning, and stakeholder engagement foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Standard 7.1: Governance

Governance provides direction and leadership to the service. The approved provider must ensure the presence of effective systems, procedures, and processes for the service to operate ethically and effectively. This instills confidence in families and the local community. Key components of an effective governance framework include:

• A philosophy statement based on the service’s beliefs, values, and aims.
• Efficient management systems that align with the National Law, National Regulations, and other relevant legislation.
• Ethical codes and practices for decision-making.
• Clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
• An effective complaints management process.
• A continuous improvement approach.

Reflection Questions for Standard 7.1

1. What strengths do our management and administration systems have that contribute to delivering a quality service?
2. How does our service’s governance contribute to the development of a service vision and purpose?
3. How do we support the development of effective leaders at the service?

Standard 7.2: Leadership

Effective leadership fosters a professional workplace where staff can communicate openly, engage in respectful debate, and contribute to ongoing professional learning. A positive work culture focused on quality encourages continuous service improvement. Effective leaders should have a clear understanding of the purpose of education and care services and be able to communicate shared goals. They should also demonstrate a commitment to inclusion and respect for diversity.

Reflection Questions for Standard 7.2

1. How is the leadership in our service contributing to the development of a positive organizational culture?
2. How can we develop the skills and capacity of team members to improve shared leadership?
3. How are children, families, and communities included in evaluating the quality of our service?

Practical Ways to Improve in Quality Area 7

1. Shared Vision: Ensure that the entire team understands and commits to the service’s philosophy and vision.
2. Regular Training: Offer regular training sessions for staff to stay updated with the latest educational practices and governance protocols.
3. Open Communication: Foster an environment where staff can openly communicate concerns, suggestions, and feedback.
4. Engage Stakeholders: Regularly engage with families, communities, and other stakeholders to gather feedback and make necessary improvements.
5. Review and Update Policies: Regularly review and update policies and procedures to ensure they align with current best practices and regulations.
6. Promote Inclusivity: Ensure that the service’s practices and policies promote inclusivity and cater to the diverse needs of all children and families.
7. Continuous Self-assessment: Implement a continuous self-assessment system to identify areas of improvement and track progress.
8. Leadership Development: Invest in leadership development programs to nurture future leaders within the organization.

By focusing on these areas and regularly reflecting on the provided questions, early learning centers can make significant improvements in governance and leadership, ensuring a high-quality learning environment for all children.