New Award Category

2023 Outstanding Education and Care Program Award

Wellbeing is the theme for the 2023 Outstanding Education and Care Program Award.

Outcome three of the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia is that children have a strong sense of wellbeing.

‘Wellbeing incorporates both physical and psychological aspects and is central to belonging, being and becoming. A strong sense of wellbeing strengthens a sense of belonging and encourages children to trust others and feel confident in being.’
(Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia P. 44)

In 2021, 18.3% of Northern Territory Children were identified as vulnerable in the physical health and wellbeing domain of the Australian Early Development Census compared to the Australian average of 9.8%.

The 2023 NT Education and Care Awards seeks to celebrate services who deliver a program of excellence that focuses on improved wellbeing outcomes for children.

Eligibility

  • The early childhood education and care service or program is delivering a program of excellence that focuses on in delivering improved wellbeing  outcomes for children.
  • The program must be led by at least one early childhood educator or teacher who holds an ACECQA approved qualification.
  • Early childhood education and care service or program is located in the Northern Territory.
  • Early childhood education and care service or program caters for children aged from birth to 5 years (12 years for OSHC services).
  • Early childhood education and care service or program type is; outside school hours care, long day care, family day care, kindergarten, preschool, playgroup, Families as First Teachers or other service type that is not part of a formal schooling program from the year Transition onwards.
  • Nomination is endorsed by the supervisor or service provider.

How to nominate

The nomination process is easy.  Simply go online to Nominations and complete the online nomination form containing the following questions.

  1. Describe the program and how it demonstrates excellence, including what the intentions of your program are, and the long term benefits for your children.
  2. Describe how staff;
    - worked collaboratively to research, plan and implement the program, and
    - consulted with stakeholders such as children, families and community.
  3. Describe the program activities.
  4. Describe how you are evaluating the program and outline how children are benefiting from participation including what outcomes are being observed.
  5. What reflective practice has the service implemented, or is planning to implement, based on learnings from the implementation of this program?

Evidence

Shortlisted nominations will be required to provide evidence to the judging panel that demonstrates the programs delivery and evaluation. This could include: photographs, videos, work samples and educator evaluations.

Permissions

Services and programs must ensure that they have written permission from parents and staff to share documentation of the program with the NT Education and Care Awards. This documentation may be used at the Award Ceremony and for promotional purposes on the NT Education and Care Awards Website.