04 MayNational Quality Framework 2019 Review
ELAA has consulted with our members in the formulation of this submission to the National Quality Framework 2019 Review through meetings, a workshop and promoting the opportunity to provide written feedback directly. ELAA’s extensive experience in providing the Road Safety Education program over the past eleven years informed our detailed feedback on children’s safety during regular transportation, including identifying additional risks for consideration. The options outlined in relation to evacuation from multi-story buildings were also supported and additional considerations were proposed such as recognition of the role of lockdowns as an emergency response.
ELAA members fully supported the suite of options in relation to safe sleep and rest, and the alignment of the NQF with the National Child Safe Principles. The options proposed to address the need for increased flexibility for short-term relief for early childhood educators raised a range of views among members. ELAA members expressed concern that extending short-term absences and broadening the acceptable qualifications will lead to poorer education outcomes for children and a decline in hard-won professionalisation of the sector. Waivers are considered a possible mechanism for addressing the need for greater flexibility with staffing if approval times could be reduced.
It is recognised that many of these options could have financial implications and ELAA will be advocating for increased funding support should these changes be adopted.
