Our Curriculum
National Quality Framework
The National Quality Framework (NQF) is a government initiative that sets the National Quality Standard (NQS), ensuring consistent, high-quality early childhood education and care services across Australia.
The NQF aims to:
- Improve educator-to-child ratios within services
- Strengthen educator skills and qualifications
- Ensure approved providers and service leaders understand and meet current laws and regulations
- Establish national regulations and a quality rating system to support families in making informed choices about their child’s education and care
Our centres are committed to exceeding the National Quality Standard across all areas of our service.
To support this commitment, our centres maintain a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) that reflects current practices and outlines how we continuously work together to meet and exceed regulatory requirements. This plan demonstrates our ongoing improvement across key areas, including:
- Educational programs and practices
- Children’s health and safety
- Physical environments
- Staffing arrangements
- Relationships with children
- Governance and leadership
- Partnerships and collaboration with families and the wider community
School Readiness Program
We support children in developing the skills, confidence, and independence they need for a positive transition to school. Our school readiness approach focuses on the whole child, recognising that emotional wellbeing and social development are just as important as early literacy and numeracy skills.
Through play-based, intentional learning experiences, children are encouraged to build self-help skills, resilience, problem-solving abilities, and a sense of responsibility. Our educators guide children in developing routines, listening skills, cooperation, and confidence in expressing their ideas.
We create learning opportunities that support early literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking in ways that are engaging and meaningful. By fostering curiosity, independence, and a love of learning, we help children feel prepared, capable, and excited about their next step into school.
As part of our school readiness program, Over the Hills Academy offers Reading Eggs to support early literacy development. This interactive program helps children build confidence in letter recognition, phonics, and early reading skills through fun, engaging activities that prepare them for a smooth transition to school.
We work closely with families to ensure each child’s transition to school is positive, supported, and tailored to their individual needs.
