Developing An Essay On Quality Improvement Plan For Non-Compliance With National Quality Standards In Child Care.

Step 1: Research

Step 1 Research

Linked to Formative Assessment  Research Activity 1 to 3
·Select   from one of  the scenarios  attached on the last page or negotiate an alternative scenario
·IIDENTIFY the TRIGGER  that would  make you consider this as an issue or area for improvement
· Identify the most appropriate National Quality Standard ( NQS) you would link  the scenario to – include the standard / element  and concept
·Describe how your scenario  does not reflect best practice as expected by the NQS - ensure you support your comments with examples from the descriptor
·List and briefly explain the National Regulations or sections of the Act that support this standard

Step 2 : Design

Linked to Formative Assessment  Research Activity 4
·After doing your research linked  to Research Activity 4 develop an action research strategy inked to your scenario
·Ensure  this reflects the intent of the NQS  described in step 1  other relevant professional standards  
·Document the value of this strategy and why you  decided to use this
·Ensure you discuss the DRAFT strategy  you have developed  with your teacher before you proceed

Step 3:  Implementing and analysing

·PRETEND you are working in a service as an Educator, IMPLEMENT the strategy you have designed to collect data/ information/ examples to support your scenario.
·ANALYSE the information you have collected using the NQS and other relevant  professional standards  as a bench mark and write a reflective report include
·.Description of  the issue identified, what is happening, why is it happening  who benefits , who is disadvantaged what improvements can be made  and how

Points to remember

·You already know the issue identified  it’s your chosen  scenario)  
·The information you gather supports the issue identified in your scenario.
·Your analyses reflects the NQS and other  relevant profession standards
·The improvements you suggest must be consistent  with what you put into the e QIP

Step 4    Writing the  QIP

Before you start to work on your QIP:
·Review the information at the link below  Quality Improvement Plans
·Copy and paste this link into your browser it will take you to the section on the Quality Improvement plan

·Read the information at the link below on writing goals
·Review “Writing a QIP” ( Refer to hard copy circulated in class ) Now you are ready to start working on your DRAFT QIP
·You must use the Quality Improvement Plan template  available at the link k below
·Copy and paste this link into your browser it will take you to the section on the Quality Improvement plan
·Start with pages 1 to 6 which includes Background information and a Centre Philosophy.
·Your Centre philosophy must reflect current best practice and the requirements on the NQF

Refer to sample documents circulated in class  and on BB
·Using all the information from Step 3 now complete the section of the QIP related to the Quality Area and Standard that best reflects your scenario as you identified in step 1
· Make an appointment to discuss your draft QIP with your teacher before you submit it for final assessment. See the unit outline for dates

Step 5

1.What have you learnt Write a  Report

Prepare a detailed Self -reflection report on the process you have undertaken in completing this assessment task and what you have learnt about the NQF and its implementation as part of a cycle of ongoing review  and self-assessment 
·Consider the reading and research you have done as you completed ALL the  Formative Assessment  Research Activities leading to completing Task  Process linked to  Development of a Quality Improvement Plan
· Discuss how you felt when you started , what you have gained from this process in relation your understanding of the NQF and how this has enhanced your work as an Early Childhood Educator
2.A bibliography must be submitted listing all the references used

Step 1: Research

Selected Scenario: The fortnightly cycle menu on some days includes foods high in sugar, salt and low in nutrients which do not meet the 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents

It is observed that the fortnightly cycle menus of the selected organisation do not include nutritional components that are required to ensure a healthy lifestyle of children. The detailed observation of two weeks has identified the extreme presence of sugar, salt and other less nutritional components in the foods of children. According to a published report by Nutritional Australia, it is observed that children should intake plenty of vegetables and diet foods for proper development. On another hand, the current identified situation highlights the essential need for healthy food consumption for the overall development of children. In this context, Standard 2.1of NQS can be defined as this standard looks supports and promotes the health and physical activity of children. To be concise, element 2.1.3 of this standard ensures a healthy lifestyle of children and adolescents in Australia. Henceforth, it can be said that this practice does not comply with the guidelines provided by the National Quality Standards (NQS). In order to support this statement, section 51 (1) (a) can be considered which ensures active service for the well-being of children. Besides this regulation 78, 79 and 80 can also be adhered, which reflect on the following areas:

1. Food and  beverages
2. Proper services for food and drink
3. Quality in weekly menus

Action Research Strategy

Action research strategy has been identified as a significant device to enhance the continuous improvement procedure. In this case, the developed action research strategy has been provided below:

Selection of a focus: In this step, a proper area will be examined for a better outcome

Clarification of theories: It is observed that this stage of the action research strategy, allows researchers to gather information from other individuals. It can be simplified by saying that clarification of theories is a significant process for developing a proper plan.

Identification of research questions: This segment of research action strategy enables users to develop a significant or a series of questions, which will be enquired in research. In this case, research questions will be proposed by considering the current situation of food issues in the selected scenario and guidelines of NQS.

Data Collection:  In order to increase the validity and reliability of data about the malnutrition issues in food products, reports from multiple Government sites will be gathered.

Data Analysis: This step will allow the researcher to extract a better outcome of this research. It is found that data analysis in action research strategy restrains researchers to avoid statistical data collection, which might be complicated in sometimes. However, data will be analysed by focusing on specific questions that will generally identify two significant problems:

1. What outcome can be generated through the collected data?
2. What can be improved by considering the applicability of this data?

Reporting of results: In this step, the gathered data will be portrayed to the authority for betterment. It is found that researchers often fail to execute this step due to the lonely endeavour. Therefore, the outcomes of this action-driven research will be adequately informed.

Action: After finding the data on the improper food service to child care homes in Australia, proper steps will be taken as per the guidelines published by NQS and other standard regulations.

Step 2: Design

Focusing on the selected scenario, it can be said that an action research strategy will ensure the researcher to address the issue adequately. Besides this, this strategy will also help the researcher to develop a proper set of recommendation that might allow the organization to maintain the section 2.1 of NQS in an appropriate manner.

Report on the gathered data

Data has been collected from a content published by the Department of Health. According to the Eat for Health Program, nutritious amount of food consumption is necessary for a six-month baby to a seventeenth-year aged individual. In addition, guideline 2 of this program has categorized nutritious foods into five major categories. This include, vegetables, grain, lean meats, milk cheese, and any other alternatives. Furthermore, a limitation has also been initiated by the Australian Government as low added salt, sugars and alcohol are highly preferred in food dishes. The same has been identified in the existing literature also, as childhood education service firms are unable to meet proper nutrition guidelines in case of quality and quality also. However, an increase in food deficiencies has been identified from the survey report of 1995 and 2011-12. Therefore, 7% increase in food deficiencies have been identified across the entire Australia.

In the current context, a high amount of salt, sugar and unhealthy food components have been identified in the child care home. Furthermore, it can be said that care home authority and suppliers are extracting a high amount of profitability through this procedure. As a result, children of this care home are facing massive difficulties as food deficiencies might limit the physical and psychological growth of children. In order to eliminate such issues, the following recommendations have been provided in this report:

• Sufficient supply of healthy food and beverages to the children
• Quality of food items in weekly menus should be increased. In addition, it can be said that quality food service every day should be the high priority of this organization
• An inspection board should be formed that will ensure the quality standard of foods provided to children

In order to complete this entire simulation, I have accessed multiple secondary sources which have helped me to develop a coherent study. In this research, I have purposefully nullified the primary data as it might inject bias in this study. I have read multiple journal articles to develop a better knowledge in this matter. However, all of them have not been taken in this research as I have applied inclusion and exclusion data collection technique. Therefore, content from invalid sources has been eliminated. In addition, works written in other languages are not included in this study. Through this simplified, yet extensive data collection process, I have been able to develop this study in a significant manner. Child food deficiencies have been interpreted as a growing concern in Australia as a high obesity rate has been found in this context. Unhealthy food consumption, the presence of harmful compounds in foods and much more have created issues for citizens of this country. Furthermore, it can be said that children are also facing some unhealthy food habits that might bring a significant change to the wellbeing of this country.

I felt very nervous while starting this assessment, as it was new to me. I have done prior research on some topics but no investigation has been thorough at it is. Therefore, I also received some troubles as I got puzzled while starting this research. Nevertheless, this new challenge has helped me to develop an extensive knowledge regarding the child food deficiencies in Australia. In order to find proper data, I have gone through various websites and found that food deficiency in this country is a matter of concern. This increases my curiosity as found some other relevant facts about the food deficiency in this country. As a result, I have been able to understand the current food standards available in this country. It would also help me in creating public awareness in future as I think that obesity is an issue that needs to be nullified from the society. Prior to this assessment, I was unaware about such quality standards that have been organized by the NQS and NQF. Therefore, discussion on the significance of food quality amongst children I have understood about the dietary requirements of a child. Furthermore, an effective initiative taken by the Department of Health Australia has allowed me to understand specific guidelines that need to be followed.

In some cases, it is to consider this guideline effectively. On another hand, I can conclude that this research has helped me to become enriched in multiple ways. I always face issues in analyzing any topic or matter.

Nevertheless, in this case, I have addressed that my analytical ability has been increased to some extent as I have been able to extract the significant findings from the state of study. In addition, secondary research technique has been improved from last time. All these improvements will surely help me to increase my capability in this topic. Besides this, the roles and responsibilities of an early childhood educator have also been identified during the course assessment. Finally, it can be said that the entire estimate is based on the selected scenario that I have taken from the given list. Therefore, developing an action research strategy by considering this issue has enabled me to demonstrate a proper data analysis method.

Futuredirections.org.au (2014), Health and Nutrition in Australia, [online]. Retrieved from https://www.futuredirections.org.au/publication/health-and-nutrition-in-australia/

Gerritsen, S., Dean, B., Morton, S. M., & Wall, C. R. (2017). Do childcare menus meet nutrition guidelines? Quantity, variety, and quality of food provided in New Zealand Early Childhood Education services. Australian and New Zealand journal of public health, 41(4), 345-351. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1753-6405.12667

The Department of Health (2017), Nutrition pubkications, [online]. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubhlth-strateg-food-resources.htm

ACECQA (2018), Quality Improvement Plan, [online]. Retrieved from https://www.acecqa.gov.au/assessment/quality-improvement-plans