Self-assessment is an essential function that drives quality improvement, resulting in improved outcomes for children and families. Self-assessment and quality improvement are inherent in the National Quality Framework (NQF). As outlined in the Guide to the NQF, under element 7.2.1 services must have an effective self-assessment and quality improvement plan in place:

Documenting quality improvement

Regulation 55 requires services to develop a document that includes an assessment conducted by the provider of their practices against the National Regulations and National Quality Standard (NQS). The document should identify services key practices, areas for improvement and include the service philosophy.

Services only need to have one continuous improvement document, such as the ACECQA Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) or the NSW Self-Assessment Working Document (PDF 2.9 MB). Services will soon be able to maintain their self-assessment information using the new Self-Assessment and Quality Improvement Planning Portal.

Currently being rolled out in a phased approach, the online portal enables services to maintain a live self-assessment and quality improvement plan, which can be shared with the NSW Regulatory Authority prior to a scheduled assessment and rating (A&R) visit. Like the Self-Assessment Working Document, which it is based on, the web-based system allows services to record their compliance, articulate key practices against each element within the NQS and identify key improvements to increase quality.

Whichever method you opt to use, we encourage you to recognise the important role your self-assessment record plays in identifying key areas for improvement, rather than being a document that’s simply prepared for the purposes of A&R.

Articulating key practices

Self-assessment involves examining what is happening at the service, deciding what is being done well and identifying what might need to be improved. Key practices are things you ‘do’ in your service and should be articulated in a way that captures the alignment with NQS rather than being regulatory in nature.

Use clear and simple language to document your key practices within the unique context of your service. This will help you clearly communicate and showcase the ‘what, why and how you do what you do’.

It’s important that current practice informs a service’s self-assessment, rather than making an assessment and looking for evidence to support a preferred outcome or rating.

Effective self-assessment builds awareness and confidence

Services who have engaged with self-assessment for quality improvement have shared that they:

• are more connected with their service quality improvement planning as an ongoing cycle
• have a better understanding of their service practice and how it aligns to the NQS
• feel more prepared for their A&R visit
• have an increased sense of confidence, understanding why they do what they do and areas for improvement
• see the process as an opportunity to showcase service unique features/aspects.

Self-assessment should be an open, transparent and honest process that clearly reflects the individual service and informs planning for ongoing improvement.

Make quality improvement a team effort

Both self-assessment and quality improvement benefit from being a shared and collaborative process. It should engage and capture the voices and perspectives of all members of the service community.

Educators, who are on the floor implementing service practice each and every day, are well placed to articulate key practices as part of the self-assessment process. Giving educators an opportunity to directly contribute to the process enhances their understanding of the NQS, National Law and Regulations. Sharing their own perspectives also supports their confidence during the A&R process.

Establishing and maintaining a culture of ongoing reflection and self-review offers challenge, inspires motivation and supports positive levels of staff satisfaction. This provides opportunities for all staff to improve their practice and programming, which contributes directly to improved learning outcomes for children.

More information and support

The Continuous Improvement Team (CIT) are experienced authorised officers who are available to support services engaging in self-assessment and quality improvement. To register to be an early adopter of the new Self-Assessment and Quality Improvement Planning Portal or schedule free support sessions to discuss your own improvement journey, reach out to the CIT by:

• calling 1800 619 113
• emailing ecequalitysupport@det.nsw.edu.au.