Updated Learning Frameworks

How are you going with implementing the changes?

The National approved learning frameworks for early childhood and school age care have been updated and are in force as of February 2024. It is from this time onwards that regulatory authorities would be looking for how your service is implementing the new framework and perhaps even looking at how you have critically reflected on the updates and what needs to change.

Why did it need an update?

In 2020, Education Ministers commissioned an update of the 2 national approved learning frameworks. the main reason being that the frameworks had been in place for over 10 years and it was agreed that it’s important they remain current and reflect contemporary research and practice. The learning frameworks are mandated, meaning every service is required to base their educational program on an approved learning framework. Recognising a learning framework guiding program and practice supports the provision of high-quality education and care.

A summary of changes

The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) commissioned a consortium to review literature and conduct sector consultation. The resulting changes represent perhaps minor changes from the outside but potentially big changes in thinking and practice. There are now 8 principles including 3 new ones Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, Sustainability and Collaborative leadership and teamwork and some other changes to names and content of principles.

The practices have been reduced and renamed. Play-based learning is now combined with intentional teaching, holistic approaches is now Holistic, integrated and interconnected approaches and much clearer and more reflective of early childhood pedagogy. Cultural competence has been updated to Cultural responsiveness reflecting an ongoing journey of awareness and growth.

The Learning outcomes have been updated to include more examples of what and how to teach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, history and culture. There is a new key component in Learning Outcome 3 that speaks to mental health and wellbeing and a greater focus on information communication and technology (ICT) in Learning Outcome 5. For more information on the changes go to ACECQA’s website.

What do I need to do?

The main task if you haven’t already done it is to read through the updated frameworks and start critically reflecting on whether your current program, practice, philosophy, policies and procedures are aligned with the updates. This process should be reflected as a goal in your quality improvement plan.

Critical reflection provocations

Below are a few critical reflection provocations for working collaboratively as a team for effective implementation of the updated framework.

1. How is your service currently doing things in terms of the key changes?
2. Is there any update that your service finds challenging or isn’t strong in?
3. If so, what is the improvement you would be looking?
4. What steps will you take to make this happen?

Support to make changes

If you would like to know about the updates and how you can meaningfully engage with the changes check out our Updated learning framework resources and our Quality area 1: Program bundle. This course steps you through critical reflection and practical ideas for ensuring you have successfully implemented the changes including evidence of quality improvement.

Related Early Years Learning Hub resources;

• Maximising learning in the early years bundle
• Learning frameworks resources
• Educational program and practice guidance