Each year in September, early childhood services have the opportunity to join the global celebration of the International Week of Deaf People. In 2025, the theme “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights” reminds us that communication is a fundamental right for every child. Embedding Auslan (Australian Sign Language) in early learning is not only inclusive practice — it is also a powerful way to demonstrate Exceeding quality across multiple areas of the National Quality Standard. From supporting early communication and wellbeing, to strengthening relationships, inclusion, and community partnerships, Auslan offers meaningful ways to bring the Exceeding themes of embedded practice, critical reflection, and meaningful engagement to life in your service.
Category Archives: Exceeding the NQS BEST tips
Achieving an Exceeding Rating with Roald Dahl Day Activities
Roald Dahl Day (13 September) can be celebrated in early childhood settings in ways that nurture imagination, play, and early literacy. With thoughtful planning, these activities can provide rich evidence for Exceeding practice across the National Quality Standard (NQS).
Top Tip, best Roald Dahl book for younger children
The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me is widely recognised as the most suitable Roald Dahl story for very young children. It is light, humorous, non-scary, and filled with opportunities for role play and imaginative storytelling.
Protective Behaviours elevates child-safety from being adult-controlled and policy-driven to being child-empowered, embedded in daily practice, critically reflected on, and meaningfully shared with families and community. That’s what moves a service from Meeting into Exceeding. Protective Behaviours (PB) gives your service a shared safety language children can use every day (“I have a right to feel safe,” “helping-hand network,” “early warning signs”). PB West’s programs translate that language into consistent practice, coaching, and family engagement—exactly what assessors look for in Exceeding evidence.
Exceeding the NQS BEST tips
Promoting the 2025 National Child Protection Week Theme “Every Conversation Matters” and Achieving an Exceeding Rating
In 2025, the importance of embedding child protection into early childhood education has never been more vital. With growing awareness of children’s rights, safety, and wellbeing, early learning services play a critical role in creating environments where every child feels safe, heard, and empowered. National Child Protection Week, with the theme “Every Conversation Matters,” offers a timely and powerful opportunity for educators to foster protective behaviours, build trust, and teach children the language of safety from their earliest years. By integrating these messages into everyday practice, services not only exceed their obligations under the National Quality Standard—they also contribute meaningfully to a culture of prevention, advocacy, and genuine care for every child in their community.
Exceeding the NQS BEST tips
Celebrating Father’s Day in Early Childhood Education: Inclusion, Learning, and Exceeding Practice
Father’s Day is more than a calendar event—it is an opportunity in early childhood education to foster belonging, build community, and recognise the special people who play significant roles in children’s lives. When celebrated thoughtfully, it becomes a rich learning experience that can even demonstrate exceeding practice in your service. It is still entirely appropriate to celebrate Father’s Day in childcare when approached with care and inclusivity. The focus should be on honouring the important people in each child’s life—whether that is a dad, grandparent, stepdad, foster carer, or another special figure—while ensuring every child feels represented and respected. By using inclusive language, offering alternatives, and engaging families, services can transform Father’s Day into a celebration of belonging, diversity, and connection.
Exceeding the NQS BEST tips
Promoting Speech Pathology to Achieve Exceeding Rating in Your Childcare Service
To achieve an Exceeding Rating in your childcare service during Speech Pathology Week 2025 (11–17 August), the theme “Impact through Communication” offers a meaningful and strategic opportunity to showcase your service’s commitment to communication, inclusion, and partnerships. Here’s how to align this focus with the National Quality Standard (NQS).
Exceeding the NQS BEST tips
Promoting Book Week 2025: “Book an Adventure” to Achieve an Exceeding Rating in Early Childhood Education
Book Week 2025, themed “Book an Adventure”, is a valuable opportunity for early childhood educators to celebrate the power of stories in shaping young minds. Book Week is more than a celebration of stories — when thoughtfully planned and embedded into your program, it becomes a powerful example of Exceeding practice under the NQS.
Exceeding the NQS BEST tips
Promoting Scientific Thinking to Achieve an Exceeding Rating in Your Childcare Service
Science Week 2025 (10–18 August) invites children and educators alike to explore the wonders of the universe — from patterns in nature to invisible forces — through curiosity, observation, and experimentation. By embedding science learning into everyday experiences—especially during Science Week—your service can demonstrate a strong commitment to holistic learning exceed the expectations of the National Quality Standard (NQS).
Exceeding the NQS BEST tips
Promoting Dental Health Education to Achieve an Exceeding Rating in Your Childcare Service
At BEST Childcare Consulting, we support childcare providers across Western Australia to achieve excellence through meaningful, evidence-based practices. One highly effective yet often overlooked strategy for exceeding expectations under the National Quality Standard (NQS) is the integration of dental health education into your service’s everyday program.
