Building Trust for Parents.
The Excellence
Star Rating System,
Recognising and celebrating preschools that go above and beyond
Why Star Ratings Matter
Our Early Excellence Star Rating System is more than just an inspection, it is a trusted mark of quality that helps preschools stand out in an increasingly competitive industry. Schools that achieve a high rating show parents that they are committed to safety, professionalism, child development, and educational excellence. In today’s world, parents are looking for schools they can trust, and a recognised star rating gives families confidence when choosing where to place their children.
Star Rating
⭐
Meets Minimum Requirements
The centre complies with the basic legal and regulatory requirements required to operate as an ECD programme.
⭐⭐
Safe & Supportive Environment
The centre provides a safe, nurturing environment with essential care practices and a structured early learning programme.
⭐⭐⭐
Quality Learning & Teaching
The centre demonstrates good teaching practices, effective parent communication, and a stimulating learning environment that supports children's development.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
High-Quality Early Childhood Education
The centre delivers a strong curriculum, employs qualified staff, and consistently achieves positive developmental and learning outcomes for children.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Excellence in Early Childhood Development
The centre demonstrates exceptional standards of care and education, innovative practices, strong leadership, highly qualified staff, and outstanding outcomes for children and families.
Understanding EarlyEx Categories
To ensure a fair assessment, centres are placed into a category based on factors such as their facilities, resources, infrastructure, and operating environment. Centres are then awarded a Star Rating within their category according to the quality of care and education they provide.
Foundation
Centres with limited resources or facilities, often serving disadvantaged or developing communities.
Growth
Centres with improving facilities and resources that are actively investing in quality and development.
Established
Well-resourced centres with strong facilities, effective management, and consistent quality standards.
Premier
Highly resourced centres with exceptional facilities, learning environments, and operational excellence.
Star Ratings
Each centre is assessed against the same EarlyEx Quality Standards and awarded a rating from 1 to 5 stars within its category. This ensures that centres are compared fairly while recognising excellence at every level.
Why an EarlyEx Star Rating Matters
⭐ Attract More Enrolments
Stand out from other centres and give parents confidence to choose your preschool.
⭐ Earn Positive Parent Reviews
Quality care and education lead to happier families and stronger recommendations.
⭐ Retain Great Staff
A positive, professional environment helps keep dedicated educators for longer.
⭐ Build Confident, Skilled Teams
Encourages ongoing training, growth, and continuous improvement.
⭐ Increase Trust & Credibility
Demonstrates your commitment to high standards of care and education.
⭐ Help Parents Choose with Confidence
Provides a clear, trusted measure of quality when comparing ECD programmes.
