Research shows that a child’s experience in their first five years sets the course for the rest of their life. To ensure that Australian children get the best possible start, the introduction of a National Quality Framework has been agreed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). 

 

The National Quality Framework will put in place a new National Quality Standard to ensure high quality and consistent early childhood education and care across Australia. This standard covers both nutrition and physical activity under the 2nd Quality Area: Children's Health and Safety.  

 

2.2		Healthy eating and physical activity are embedded in the program for children.
2.2.1		Healthy eating is promoted and food and drinks provided by the service are nutritious and appropriate to the age of the child.
2.2.2		Physical activity is promoted through planned and spontaneous experiences and is appropriate to the age of the child.

Services will be assessed against the new National Quality Standard from January 2010, with a transition phase from July 2010 where services will begin to undergo assessment against the new standard.