QA6 Reflection Questions

Quality Area 6: Collaborative partnerships with families and communities

Quality Area 6 focuses on supportive, respectful relationships with families which are fundamental to achieving quality outcomes for children. Community partnerships that are based on active communication, consultation and collaboration also contribute to children’s inclusion, learning and wellbeing.

Families are the primary influence in their children’s lives; they often have strong beliefs and values regarding the education and care of their children. When families and services collaborate and build respectful relationships, children have the opportunity to develop a positive sense of self and experience respectful relationships. As well, the child, the family and the service do not exist in isolation; they are part of a much wider community. Children benefit from services engaging with local communities because these partnerships strengthen children’s interest and skills in being active contributors to their community. Collaborative partnerships are achieved when the service’s philosophy has a strong commitment to valuing diversity, inclusive practice and connecting to the community. To help services be prepared to engage all children in the educational program, services may also develop specific plans (for example a Strategic Inclusion Plan) to ensure the service is ‘inclusion ready’.

These reflection questions support you in evaluating your practice against the Standard.