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The National Quality Standard (NQS) is a key aspect of the NQF and sets a national benchmark for early childhood education and care, and outside school hours care services in Australia. As the NQF progresses, every service in the country will be assessed to make sure it meets the new quality standard. In the meantime, as safety is paramount all day and every day, every service must comply with rigorous health and safety requirements. To ensure children enjoy the best possible conditions in their early educational and developmental years, the NQS promotes continuous improvement in quality. The major benefits for parents and children include: •        improved educator to child ratios •        greater individual care and attention for children •        educators with increased skills and qualifications •        better support for children’s learning and development •        a national register to help parents assess the quality of education and care services in their area. Quality Areas The National Quality Standard (NQS) is a key aspect of the NQF. The NQS consists of seven quality areas, each containing standards and elements, that children's education and care services are assessed and rated against. The seven quality areas covered by the National Quality Standard are: 1.     Educational program and practice 2.     Children’s health and safety 3.     Physical environment 4.     Staffing arrangements 5.     Relationships with children 6.     Collaborative partnerships with families and communities 7.     Leadership and service management http://www.acecqa.gov.au/Quality-Areas#sthash.5pD4LsGT.dpuf