The landscape of early childhood education and care in Australia is continually changing. It’s crucial for the sector to stay informed about the latest advancements to guarantee optimal learning and development opportunities for children, including staying abreast of the updated national learning frameworks.

Come January 2024, Australia’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector is poised for a significant shift with the introduction of version 2 of the nationally approved learning frameworks. Throughout 2023, the original frameworks will run concurrently with the new version, providing a transition period for services to adjust and enhance their practices. These frameworks, namely “Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia” and “My Time, Our Place: Framework for School Age Care in Australia,” have undergone revisions to better align with the changing needs of educators, children and families. Join us as we delve into these changes and their implications for education and care providers nationwide.

Australia has maintained a steadfast dedication to delivering top-notch education and care for children from birth to 12 years old. The National Quality Framework (NQF) stands as a fundamental pillar of this commitment, with nationally approved learning frameworks playing a crucial role within it. These frameworks serve as a guiding beacon for providers of early childhood education and care, facilitating the creation of enriching learning environments that foster the thriving development of children and embed opportunities for lifelong learning.

What additions are in Version 2 of these revised national learning frameworks?

The revised 2.0 versions of “Belonging, Being and Becoming” and “My Time, Our Place” mark a notable progression. Key alterations and improvements encompass:

  1. Integration of cutting-edge research—The updated frameworks seamlessly include the most recent findings in early childhood education and care, guaranteeing that practices are grounded in evidence and remain current.
  2. Enhanced emphasis on diversity and inclusion—The second version highlights the celebration of diversity and the promotion of inclusive practices, mirroring the multicultural fabric of contemporary Australia.
  3. Harmonization with school curricula—The updated frameworks strive for improved alignment with school curricula, facilitating a seamless transition for children progressing from early childhood education to primary school.
  4. Improved assessment and planning—Refinements in assessment and planning procedures empower educators to more effectively monitor children’s progress and customize their learning experiences accordingly.
  5. Introduction of a Sustainability principle—This novel principle integrates a focus on the natural environment and underscores the importance of educators promoting environmentally conscious choices and social responsibility, guiding children in developing awareness of the world around them.

Getting ready to shift to the revised national learning frameworks

As Version 2 of the revised national learning frameworks is scheduled for rollout in January 2024, it’s essential for approved providers and services to ready themselves for this transition. Here are some steps to contemplate:

  1. Get acquainted—Begin by thoroughly acquainting yourself with the updated learning frameworks relevant to your service. ACECQA (the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority) offers resources and guidance to assist educators in catching up.
  2. Invest in professional growth—Contemplate allocating resources to professional development opportunities for your educators and staff, ensuring they are thoroughly equipped to implement the new frameworks effectively.
  3. Connect with families—Ensure parents and families are well-informed about the changes and actively involve them in the process. Their support and understanding play a vital role in guaranteeing a seamless transition for children.
  4. Revise educational programs—Evaluate and modify your educational programs and practices to synchronize with Version 2 of the frameworks. For users of Playground, we’ve integrated both basic and advanced versions of the frameworks, readily available for activation in your service.

Navigating change may pose challenges, yet it also unveils opportunities for growth and improvement. The revised national learning frameworks in Australia signify a positive stride toward elevating the quality of early childhood education and care in the nation. By acquainting yourself with the changes and taking proactive measures to prepare, you can guarantee that your ECEC service is well-prepared to deliver optimal learning experiences for children.

To enable the 2.0 versions of these frameworks in Playground at your service, please contact our incredible QikKids support team to request this be turned on in your Playground system. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact QikKids support.

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by Natasha Veiman, Training Specialist

  • First published: 15 February 2023

    Written by: QikKids