A new report analysing childcare services across Australia highlights inconsistencies in childcare quality and reinforces the need for national quality reforms, Early Childhood Australia said today.

The National Childcare Accreditation Council report, released today, found that a large number of services were failing basic quality standards.

Early Childhood Australia CEO Pam Cahir said the report shows that there is a clear need to introduce one single, unified national system to ensure childcare quality.

“All early childhood education and care services would benefit from the incoming National Quality Standards."

“Too many services are finding it difficult to meet basic standards, which is simply unacceptable."

“If services fail to meet basic quality standards, this has a very real impact on the health, safety and long term outcomes of children in these services."

“That’s why the National Quality Standards are so important, as they will ensure we have high quality and consistent early childhood education and care across the country,” Ms Cahir said.

According to the report, a number of services received unsatisfactory ratings for basic quality standards.

“If services are falling down on the basics such as implementing food safety and hygiene practices, controlling the spread of infectious diseases or ensuring buildings and equipment are safe, then it’s a real concern."

“The introduction of the National Quality Standards will ensure all children benefit by receiving the education and care that parents should be able to expect.”

Media contacts: Pam Cahir, 0407 008 524 - Claire Johnston, 0434 489 533