Step 7: Fitout and OC
Before reaching this step, stakeholders should have:
This step encompasses the ongoing delivery of high-quality ECEC services within the co-located service, requiring continuous compliance with the National Quality Framework, state licensing requirements, and operational excellence across all service areas. The operational phase involves daily service delivery including education programs, staff management and professional development, facility maintenance and safety management, financial oversight and sustainability planning, and maintaining effective partnerships with co-located services and the broader regional community.
In 2023 over half of all NSW local councils ran and coordinated centre-based ECEC services, with over 300 ECEC services in operation. Many of these services cater to a high number of vulnerable families and children with disability. In rural NSW, local councils are often the only providers of ECEC services, making local councils a key stakeholder in this operational delivery step (Local Government NSW, 2023).
Step 8 checklist
Service approval – overview of steps
- Ensure you have a provider approval. Your provider application must be received, validated, assessed and approved prior to setting up a new service.
- The NSW Regulatory Authority validates the application for provider approval.
- Allow 60 days for the provider approval application from receipt of a valid application.
- Identify your service type and the related regulatory framework to determine how you must submit your
- Submit a service approval application:
- Includes submitting all prescribed information and
- Apply to offer the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) at the same time in NQA ITS if relevant to your service — for more information visit the Australian Government website.
- The NSW Regulatory Authority validates the application
- The NSW Regulatory Authority assesses the application. Allow 90 days for this assessment. The assessment includes but is not limited to consideration of the Provider’s compliance history and quality ratings status for all current services, as well as a pre-approval visit.
- Notification of service approval
- Go to Department of Education website for further information and supporting resources.
Further resources
Where can I find ECEC regulatory compliance resources?
- Australian Government – provider tool kit Compliance and monitoring Dept of Education
- ACECQA – Preparing NQF policies and procedures
- NSW Policy and Procedure Guidance for ECE Services and Providers
- ACECQA – Compliance Support Pathway ECEC Resource Library
What resources are available for quality improvement in ECEC?
Case Study: "Exceeding" NQS
The Scallywags Long Day Care and Preschool located in Bathurst offers an ‘Exceeding’ Early Education program for children aged between 6 weeks to 5 years of age.
Location: Haymarket Reserve, 32 William St, Bathurst
Model: local council-operated long day care centre
Details: 60 children, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Service approval granted: 11 November 2007
Current NQS Rating: Exceeding NQS (issued June 2021)
