Walk into Papilio Early Learning Point Cook and you’ll immediately feel the difference - bright, inspiring learning environments, the smell of a fresh, nourishing lunch from the in-house kitchen, and the warm welcome of educators who know each child by name.
That’s because this centre, proudly part of the Affinity Education Group, has been officially recognised as Exceeding the National Quality Standard (NQS) - a mark of excellence achieved by just 21% of Australian early childhood services (ACECQA NQF Snapshot Q1 2025).
For families, educators, and leaders alike, this milestone is more than a rating. It’s a reflection of a deep commitment to children’s learning, safety, wellbeing, and development, every single day.
What Does ‘Exceeding’ the National Quality Standard Mean?
The National Quality Standard is the benchmark for early childhood education and care across Australia. It assesses services across seven key quality areas, including:
- Educational program and practice
- Children’s health and safety
- Physical environment
- Staffing arrangements
- Relationships with children
- Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
- Governance and leadership
Services are rated as:
- Working Towards NQS
- Meeting NQS
- Exceeding NQS
To be rated Exceeding overall, a service must be Meeting NQS in all areas, with at least four Quality Areas rated Exceeding, and two or more of those in areas 1, 5, 6 or 7.
Importantly, Exceeding-rated services demonstrate practice that is:
- Embedded in daily operations
- Informed by critical reflection, and
- Shaped by meaningful engagement with families and the community
These three themes go beyond compliance - they indicate a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and excellence that benefits every child and family.
Papilio Point Cook: A Culture of Quality, Connection and Care
At Papilio Point Cook, those three themes are more than checkboxes - they’re the heartbeat of the centre.
Led by Centre Manager Jess Andison, the team has created a nurturing, inclusive space where quality practice is consistent, intentional, and deeply personal.
“We take immense pride in our service,” Jess says. “It’s reflected in the relationships we build with children and families, the welcoming spaces we create, and our constant commitment to doing things better, together.”
Here’s what that looks like in everyday practice:
- Long-standing, passionate educators who know each child’s learning style and needs
- Specialist programs like Spanish, yoga, sport, and music, designed to build confidence and joy
- Two dedicated chefs preparing daily fresh, nutritious meals that reflect the cultural diversity of the community
- Regular family events, cultural celebrations and fundraisers, building a sense of belonging for all
- Ongoing reflection and feedback loops that involve educators, families, and community voices
It’s this foundation of meaningful connection, intentional learning, and collaborative improvement that helped Papilio Point Cook achieve its Exceeding NQS rating.
How Affinity Education Supports Centres to Excel
Across Australia, more than 87% of Affinity Education centres are rated Meeting or Exceeding the National Quality Standard. That success comes from putting quality at the heart of everything we do.
Here’s how we support our services:
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A national team of dedicated Quality Advisors who provide one-on-one coaching, training, and compliance support
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Annual internal benchmarking processes aligned with NQF criteria to identify strengths and growth areas
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A sector-leading Affinity Learning Academy offering pathways from Certificate III to Diploma, and even Early Childhood Teacher
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A deep, organisation-wide commitment to child safety and wellbeing, reflected in rigorous policies and regular audits
Learn more about how we maintain quality
Read about our commitment to safety
“The National Quality Standard sets a clear benchmark for delivering safe, high-quality early education and care,” says Dr Lesley Jones, Chief Compliance and Quality Officer at Affinity Education Group. “Our dedicated Quality Advisors work closely with each of our centres, providing support and benchmarking that helps teams achieve their goals and continually improve. While a centre’s rating is important, what matters most is that families feel genuinely connected, confident, and supported in the care their child receives.”
Why It Matters for Families and the Future
Research confirms what early educators already know - quality matters. Children who attend high-quality early learning settings are more likely to:
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Start school with stronger language, literacy, and social-emotional skills
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Build resilience, confidence, and curiosity
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Experience long-term academic and wellbeing outcomes
(Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2022)
For families, an Exceeding-rated centre like Papilio Point Cook offers more than just care - it offers peace of mind. It’s a place where children feel safe, inspired, and supported to thrive.
Visit and Experience It For Yourself
Whether you’re a parent looking for a nurturing early learning environment or an educator seeking to join a high-performing team, Papilio Point Cook welcomes you.
Book a tour or learn more
Explore careers with Affinity Education
Because excellence isn’t just a milestone. It’s a mindset, and one we’re proud to live by, every day.
Pictures: Jake Nowakowski