Guide to the Education and Care Services National Law ... - acecqa

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Further review by Ratings Review Panel
National Law: Sections 144–151, 160
National Regulations: Regulations 69–70
An Approved Provider may apply to ACECQA for a further review of a rating determined for an
Approved Service. An application for further review can only be made on the grounds that the
Regulatory Authority did not appropriately conduct the assessment processes for determining
a rating level, or failed to take into account or give sufficient weight to special circumstances or
facts existing at the time of the rating assessment.
An application for further review must be made within 14 days after the decision of the
Regulatory Authority’s internal review is received by the Approved Provider. The ACECQA Board
will establish a Ratings Review Panel to conduct the review. The Ratings Review Panel will
consist of up to three members appointed by the ACECQA Board who have expert knowledge in
one or more of the following areas:
• early learning and development research or practice
• law
• the assessment of quality in education and care services or other relevant services
• best practice regulation.
The Ratings Review Panel must make a decision within 60 days to confirm or amend the rating
levels (by Quality Area or overall rating or both). The panel must give the Approved Provider
notice in writing of its decision and the reasons for the decision within 14 days.
A rating level confirmed or amended after a further review will be published.
Part 3.5: Award of highest rating
National Law: Sections 152–159
National Regulations: Regulation 71
Where an Approved Service has received an overall rating of Exceeding National Quality
Standard, the Approved Provider may apply to ACECQA to be assessed for the Excellent rating.
The application must be in writing and the Approved Provider must pay the relevant fee.
The ACECQA Board will assess the service against the published criteria. ACECQA must seek
and take into account advice from the relevant Regulatory Authority and may seek any other
relevant information to carry out the assessment.
See Part 6.1 National Authority and Regulatory Authorities for more information about the role of
ACECQA and its Board.
48TWO – Guide to the National Law and National Regulations