How should I use NQS ratings when comparing childcare services?

If you’ve started comparing childcare services, chances are you’ve already seen NQS badges like “Rated Exceeding National Quality Standard” displayed on services' websites or front fences as you drive past. 

It’s easy to assume that a higher rating automatically means a better service and yes, that would make comparing and choosing childcare far simpler for families. But NQS ratings weren’t designed to rank services from “best to worst” and using them that way can sometimes make the decision harder, not easier. 

So, how much weight should I actually give to the rating? The real value of NQS ratings comes from how you use them. Instead of asking: Which service has the highest rating? A more helpful question is: How can this rating help me understand what I’m seeing?

A simple way to think about using NQS ratings

Use NQS ratings as a starting point - not a final answer

Think of them as:

• A snapshot of quality at a point in time
• A broad overview across multiple areas
• A tool to guide your observations and questions

Don't use them as:

• A guarantee of daily experience
• A ranking system for services
• The most important factor in choosing care

A quick guide to using NQS ratings when comparing services

“If you’re overwhelmed by all seven quality areas, focus on relationships with children, safety, and the quality of the program.” - Elise Disher, Early Childhood Education & Care Consultant 

If you’re feeling unsure, our simple guide can help:

1. Check the overall rating (but don’t stop there)

• Working Towards → worth understanding what’s improving
• Meeting → strong, consistent quality
• Exceeding → going beyond in some areas

Important: “Meeting” is considered a positive, solid rating, not merely an “average” rating

2. Look at how recent the rating is

Ask:

• When was the last assessment?
• Has anything changed since then (director, staff, ownership)?

“Ratings can be years old, and services change quickly - new leadership, new staff, new ownership. You can’t rely on a rating alone to make your decision.” - Cassandra Stark, The Childcare Concierge & Advisory

3. Look beyond the overall rating

If possible, check:

• individual quality area ratings
• the service’s Quality Improvement Plan (QIP)

This helps you understand:

• where they’re strong
• what they’re working on

4. Use the rating to guide your tour questions

Instead of just noting the rating, ask:

• “What have you been working on since your last assessment?”
• “What does ‘Exceeding’ look like in practice here?”
• “What are you most proud of as a team?”

Great services will welcome these questions.

5. Compare what you see with the rating

On your tour, notice:

• Do educator interactions match the rating?
• Does the environment feel calm and well-run?
• Do children seem engaged and supported?

Ask yourself:
 “Does what I’m seeing align with what I expected from the rating?”

“An ‘Exceeding’ or ‘Excellent’ rating looks great on paper, but it’s not the full story. What matters is whether what you see on the tour actually matches that level of quality.” - Cassandra Stark, The Childcare Concierge & Advisory

6. Pay attention to how the service feels

This is the part no rating can capture.

• Does it feel warm and welcoming?
• Do educators seem calm and engaged?
• Would my child feel comfortable here?

Two “Exceeding” services can feel completely different in real life.

What NQS ratings can’t tell you

Even though they’re helpful, ratings don’t show:

• how your child will be responded to on a hard day
• how drop-off feels in the morning
• how well the service communicates with your family
• how consistent the team feels day to day

“Some services shine on assessment day, but your child won’t be there on assessment day - they’ll be there every day. That’s what you need to look for.” - Cassandra Stark, The Childcare Concierge & Advisory

 These things can only be understood in person - and by asking the right questions.

A simple way to use NQS ratings with confidence

If you’re feeling unsure, keep it simple: Use NQS to shortlist and guide your questions. Use tours to make your final decision. The ratings helps you narrow your options and know the right kinds of questions to ask for more information but your first hand experience will help you choose. Remember: the goal isn’t to find the highest rating, it’s to find the right fit for your child and your family.