Macquarie University proud to have worked on updates to approved learning frameworks

While many Australian early childhood education and care (ECEC) professionals will be aware of the recent updates to the approved learning frameworks (the Early Years Learning Framework and the Framework for School Aged Care), few will be familiar with the process by which the frameworks became updated. 

Culture, sustainability and leadership are key themes of the changes to both frameworks, which include new principles and updated practices, and which are the result of a two-year review led by Macquarie University.

“The changes are key in ensuring educators are provided with relevant and contemporary guiding principles to support them in the design and delivery of high-quality educational programs and practices for many children,” said Associate Professor Fay Hadley, Macquarie School of Education. 

First established in 2009, the frameworks have now been revised to have an enhanced focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, with related updates to the vision, principles, practices and outcomes of both frameworks. 

The revised frameworks also emphasise the need for ‘cultural responsiveness’, sustainability, collaborative leadership and stronger assessment and evaluation measures to enhance child development and wellbeing.

Prior to the changes being implemented and announced the frameworks underwent a robust two year revision process  led by Macquarie University alongside QUT and Edith Cowan University, which included literature and curriculum reviews, comprehensive national stakeholder engagement, and piloting changes across various education and care settings.

“Our research gathered the feedback and voices of not only educators, teachers and sector stakeholders, but also children and their families, to ensure we were providing recommendations that captured what children and parents expect from educators,” said Associate Professor Hadley.

“At the end of our research, we provided Education Ministers with a total of 20 recommended changes and are thrilled they have all been accepted. This will contribute to quality care and education across more than 17,000 early childhood and outside school hours care services across Australia.”  

Educators and providers have been encouraged to use 2023 to become more familiar with the updated learning frameworks and adjusting their programs and practices to reflect the changes, prior to a required transition in 2024. 

Throughout the year, additional supporting material will be developed by state and territory governments, alongside the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), to support educators and providers in implementing the changes.

This project was commissioned by ACECQA on behalf of all Australian state and territory governments. More information can be found here.

As part of the supporting resources, researchers of the project, in conjunction with Early Childhood Australia, are hosting a series of webinars for educators and providers. To register, click here.