Half Day Workshop with Heather Barnes

SESSION ONE: UNDERSTANDING THE EXCEEDING THEMES AND HOW TO MEET THEM

As a result of the revision of the NQF some significant changes have occurred, particularly the introduction of clearer guidance for services and assessors about what constitutes Exceeding practice.

This session will explore and help unpack the three themes that need to be met:
1. Practice is embedded in service operations
2. Practice is informed by critical reflection
3. Practice is shaped by meaningful engagement with families and/or the community

We will explore ways that each service can best engage in further quality improvements so that the Exceeding themes are met.
Session outcomes will include:

• Clearer understanding of the Exceeding themes and how to demonstrate that they are being met
• A QIP that assists in achieving Exceeding ratings
• Quality practice is evident every day.

SESSION TWO: CRITICAL REFLECTION

What is critical reflection and how do we do it? Is it different from evaluation? How is critical reflection different to ordinary reflection?

 This session will remind participants of the links between reflective practice and the Frameworks as well as its impact on quality outcomes for children. It will particularly explore the emphasis on critical reflection in the revised NQS includingusing a cycle of review and an inquiry approach.

 Session outcomes will include:

• Deeper understanding of reflective practice to develop a reflective learning culture
• Further understanding of how educators’ values, beliefs and knowledge of theory impact on reflection
• Clarification about critical reflection across all standards of the NQS.