September 2013 NQF & NQS Tips from SCR

National Quality Framework & National Quality Standards

NQF 1.2.2 Educators respond to children's ideas and play and use intentional teaching to scaffold and extend each child's learning.

This is one of the most important aspects of the NQF. How Educators interact with children and encourage their learning is an area that Validators look at closely.

Intentional teaching - what is it you want to achieve? How will you assist in extending children's ideas? What questions can you ask?

• Can we make it? 
• Can we borrow it?
• Where else would we find it?
• Have you ever seen that before?
• Should we look in a book?
• Could we ask some friends to help?
• I wonder what would happen if..........?

When you pose some interesting questions to children the responses you get will usually surprise you! Have Fun!!!


NQS 1.2.3 Critical reflection on children’s learning and development, both as individuals and in groups, is regularly used to implement the program.

We used to call it evaluations but now it is reflecting and the key component is the word ‘critical’. When you watch the children in individual and group situations do you take the time to ask yourself ‘what’s actually happening?’ ‘What do I think?’ and ‘where to from here?’ Use these questions to make sure you are reflecting on the children’s abilities, interests, creative thought processes, imagination and skills and extend upon these accordingly.

 
NQS 2.1: Each child’s health is promoted.

This is pretty broad and can be interpreted in many ways but when looking at this and how it looks within your service break it down into areas and work on these.  

•  Are they comforted when distressed? 
• Is water always accessible? 
• Are their meals nutritious? 
• Are effective supervision techniques implemented at all times? 
• Do they understand hygiene practices and are these consistent within your service? 
• Are Parents aware of all these items and how you do it?

NQF 2.1.1: Each child’s health needs are supported

Allergies and Intolerance's – we know these words well! This element also refers to any health need of a child, a disability, an injury, cultural beliefs or simply something specific a Parent has requested.

Get to know your children and families – what are their needs and can you cater for it? Something that is always helpful is an ‘allergy, health requirements and intolerance list’ form. You can complete one for every room so that all educators are aware of these as well as relief educators as the children’s health, safety and well being is always our priority. Don’t forget to regularly update these!