Assessment and rating (A&R) can be an exciting opportunity to showcase your service. An authorised officer (AO) will use the ‘sight, observe and discuss’ technique to gather information about your service.

This technique involves:

• Sight – the AO will request to see records and documentation (e.g., medical plans and programming)
• Observe – the AO will observe what educators and children are doing (e.g., interactions and routines)
• Discuss – the AO will ask about the what, why and how behind practice (e.g., your orientation processes).

It’s also likely the AO will ask you questions about your program, children’s health and safety and child protection obligations.

After the visit, the AO will measure and rate your service against the National Quality Standard. You’ll receive a report outlining how the AO came to the rating.

Bryony Catlin
Consultant, Community Child Care Association

If you’re still feeling unsure how to tackle A&R, we’ve got you. Organise an A&R preparation visit for your service.