STAFF members, teachers and parents at Muswellbrook Pre-School Kindergarten are "exceedingly" happy this week.
The Sowerby Street educational facility has been rated as Exceeding National Quality Standard - under the National Quality Framework.
The National Quality Standard (NQS) sets a benchmark for the quality of children's schooling and care services across Australia.
They are assessed against the NQS by the state or territory regulatory authority and receive a rating for each of the seven quality areas of the NQS, as well as an overall rating.
And, in Muswellbrook Pre-School Kindergarten's case, it's extremely high.
"To say we're exceedingly proud is an understatement," director Kelly Constable said.
"We've gone through the process previously on three occasions, but this is the first time we've achieved an Exceeding NQS.
"We're all very excited by the news.
"An overall rating of Exceeding NQS is given to services that go above and beyond the requirements of the NQS in at least four of the seven quality areas.
"Muswellbrook Pre-School Kindergarten was commended for its commitment in establishing an outdoor classroom, farm and sustainability program.
"Our outdoor play area and our responsive, warm, trusting and respectful relationships with children were highlighted as being exceptional," she added.
The National Quality Framework (NQF) for early childhood education and care was agreed by all Australian governments to get better educational and development outcomes for children using education and care services.
Implementation of the NQF is guided by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
To find out more information about the NQF and service ratings, visit the ACECQA website or ACECQA's family focused website, Starting Blocks.
