The Authorised Officer (AO) isn’t at the service to provide their own viewpoint or opinion about practice. They are there to measure and assess the service against the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) National Quality Standards (NQS) and National Law and Regulations.

If they have indicated to you that a practice is non-compliant or not meeting the NQS, ask for clarification around which law, regulation or element of the NQS and why. Asking if you can be shown directly is within your right, but also know that if the AO indicates they’re not able to show you at this time, the report or compliance letter you receive will outline the specific area of concern and will quote law, regulations and NQS.

If you disagree with something the AO has outlined as not best practice, provide them with additional information as to the thinking and reasoning behind that specific practice. Sometimes this can highlight that a practice has been developed as a partnership with families or to minimise a specific risk, for example.

If you’re still unhappy with the outcome, you can get in touch with your regulatory authority to express your concern or provide feedback during the A&R draft report.

Caitlin Mason
Consultant, Community Child Care Association

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