Part 1 - Assessment and rating process You are required to show your knowledge of the components of the National Quality Framework , how this relates to the service and what occurs before, during and after an assessment & rating visit. In December 2009, all Australian governments, through the Council of Australian Governments, agreed to a partnership to establish a National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care {National Quality Framework). The Australian Government and state and territory governments recognise the importance of increasing their focus on the early years to ensure the wellbeing of children throughout their lives and to lift the productivity of our nation as a whole. The drive for change is based on clear evidence that the early years of children's lives are very important for their present and future health, development and wellbeing