90% of all Northern Territory childcare centres are now ‘meeting’ or ‘exceeding’ the National Quality Standards (NQS), the best numbers on record.Minister for Early Education, Jo Hersey, attributed the unprecedented increase to strengthened accountability, and support for centres that needed the educative approach to meet or exceed NQS.”I make no apology for holding high expectations when it comes to children’s safety and wellbeing.”
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is continuing to strengthen accountability across the Early Education sector and improve quality standards in their year of growth, certainty and security.
As part of the ‘Safe Start, Strong Futures’ here plan announced by Minister for Early Education Jo Hersey in December last year, a target was set for 100% of services to ‘meet’ or ‘exceed’ Quality Area 2 (Children’s Health and Safety) by the 30th of June 2026, and 85% of services to ‘meet’ or ‘exceed’ all National Quality Standards by December 2026.
Department of Education and Training data from the 1st of June 2026 shows 90% of Territory childcare centres are ‘meeting’ or ‘exceeding’ National Quality Standards (NQS), well ahead of the December target and the best numbers on record since the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) started quarterly updates on the children’s education and care sector in Australia in 2013.
Minister for Early Education, Jo Hersey, said by investing in quality, accountability, safety and workforce development, every child has the opportunity to thrive from the very beginning.
“As Minister for Early Education, I am deeply committed to this sector,” Minister Hersey said.
“Over the past year, I have met with educators, providers and early childhood professionals across the Territory through visiting centres, and hosting ‘conversation with the Minister’ forums right across the Territory, listening firsthand to both the challenges they face and the incredible work they do every day to support children and families.
“Parents should have complete confidence that their children are safe, supported and receiving quality care while they work, study and contribute to our community.”
“I make no apology for holding high expectations when it comes to children’s safety and wellbeing.”
As part of strengthening accountability in the sector and supporting centres to meet NQS, the Northern Territory Childcare regulator – Quality Education and Care NT (QECNT) were expanded with five additional staff members, including three compliance officers and two educative officers.
This additional support ensures services that are facing challenges have access to practical guidance and assistance to help them meet and exceed the National Quality Standards.
