Assessment and rating - two words that can send a ripple of anxiety through any early years service. However, what if we reframe this? What if we see Assessment and Rating Day as an opportunity, rather than something to fear? After all, this visit is your moment to showcase the wonderful, impactful work you do for children every single day.
It’s important to remember that an assessment and rating visit is a point-in-time evaluation. While the Authorised Officer might ask about past initiatives or programs, their primary focus is on what is happening during their visit. They’ll observe, ask questions, review documentation, and often, take photos. Essentially, they’re looking to capture a snapshot of the quality practices you’re already delivering.
With that in mind, here are some hints, tips, and words of encouragement from Phoenix Support for Educators. With two facilitators who are ex-Authorised Officers (having conducted hundreds of visits between them), we’ve got the insider perspective to help you navigate this experience with confidence.
1. Remember the Purpose
The entire point of an assessment and rating visit is to highlight high-quality practices and outcomes for children. It’s not just about the glossy program plans or polished paperwork. What matters is how your efforts translate into tangible benefits for children.
You could have the most elaborate program plan in the world, but if it doesn’t work for the children, it is not exceeding practice. The focus is, and always will be, on outcomes that prioritise children’s learning, wellbeing, and development. So, reflect on how your day-to-day practices achieve these goals and let that be your guide.
2. Embrace every rating
Here’s something that’s often overlooked: a Meeting rating is a fantastic achievement. The National Quality Standard sets the bar high for a reason. It ensures services are delivering quality care across a broad range of outcomes.
While an Exceeding rating is certainly worth striving for, don’t diminish the importance of a Meeting or even Working Towards rating. Think of it as the high jump, sometimes you’ll clear the bar, and sometimes you’ll just miss it, but both outcomes represent effort and success. Aim to deliver your best, but also give yourself grace with whatever result you receive. Continuous improvement is the goal so every rating, at every level, strives to continue ongoing improvement.
3. The Authorised Officer is Human Too
It’s easy to picture the Authorised Officer as a rather terrifying assessor, but remember they are human too. Most Authorised Officers have extensive experience in early childhood settings themselves and understand the nervous energy their presence can bring.
If you’re feeling nervous, don’t be afraid to acknowledge it. A simple, “I’m feeling a bit nervous” can actually help. You won’t be marked down for being honest, and it may actually prompt the Authorised Officer to take extra care to make you feel at ease. They are there to observe your practice, not to intimidate you.
4. Every Assessment is Unique
No two assessment and rating visits are the same. In some cases, the Authorised Officer might chat with every educator on the floor. In others, they might not ask a single question. Each visit is guided by the evidence that they observe, the documents they access, and the strengths they identify.
Don’t panic if your assessment looks different from what you’ve heard about from others. It’s not a one-size-fits-all process. Whether the Authorised Officer engages with your entire team or keeps to themselves, it’s all part of their approach to understanding your unique service.
5. Don’t Hesitate to Share
If there’s an area you’re particularly proud of, speak up. Authorised Officers are not mind readers. If they don’t see evidence of a strength or don’t ask you a specific question about it, they might not realise it’s an area worth exploring.
Be proactive. Point out initiatives, highlight documentation, or share stories and examples that illustrate your service’s commitment to quality. It’s not about boasting; it’s about ensuring your hard work is acknowledged.
6. Stick to What You Know
In the lead-up to your assessment day, it can be tempting to make changes in an effort to impress. Don’t. Altering your practice or environment at the last minute often creates unnecessary stress for both children and educators.
Children are particularly astute. They’ll sense the shift and may respond with escalated behaviours or even a stress response. Educators, too, might feel the pressure of unfamiliar routines, leading to mistakes or added nerves. Instead, trust in the practices and routines you’ve established. The purpose of the assessment is to capture the authentic, everyday excellence of your service. Let that shine.
At the end of the day, an assessment and rating visit is a celebration of the work you do. Yes, it can be nerve-wracking, but it is also an opportunity to show the passion, care, and dedication that goes into creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for children.
Take a deep breath. Focus on the “why” behind what you do. And remember—you’ve got this. Your hard work speaks for itself, and your commitment to quality care is evident in everything you do.
So, as the Authorised Officer steps through your door, embrace the moment. Trust in your abilities, your team, and the wonderful work you have accomplished. And most importantly, let your genuine love for what you do shine through.
Assessment and rating may feel like a big hurdle, but with the right mindset and preparation, it’s an experience that can leave you feeling proud and inspired. Here’s to you and the incredible work you do every day!