Education Minister's Approve New Updates To EYLF and MTOP Learning Frameworks

All Australian, state and territory Education Ministers have now collectively approved updates to Australia’s EYLF and MTOP-approved learning frameworks.

Changes to the EYLF include:

• Strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives throughout the frameworks including the vision, principles, practices and outcomes
• Strengthening the link between the vision and planning cycle 
• Strengthening the principle of ongoing learning and reflective practice 
• Introducing a new principle promoting collaborative leadership 
• Introducing a new sustainability principle 
• Strengthening the principle of high expectations and equity 
• Updating the principle of secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships to include relational pedagogy 
• Strengthening partnerships to include other professionals 
• Clarifying the meaning of holistic approaches 
• Strengthening the connection between play-based learning and intentionality 
• Replacing cultural competence with cultural responsiveness 
• Aligning assessment and evaluation for learning development and wellbeing
• Expanding and strengthening guidance to support the Learning Outcomes

Changes to the MTOP include: 

• Strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives throughout the frameworks including the vision, principles, practices and outcomes 
• Strengthening the link between the vision and planning cycle 
• Strengthening the principle of ongoing learning and reflective practice 
• Introducing a new principle promoting collaborative leadership 
• Introducing a new sustainability principle 
• Strengthening the principle of high expectations and equity 
• Updating the principle of secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships to include relational pedagogy 
• Strengthening partnerships to include other professionals 
• Clarifying the meaning of holistic approaches 
• Strengthening the connection between play-based learning and intentionality 
• Replacing cultural competence with cultural responsiveness 
• Aligning assessment and evaluation for learning development and wellbeing 
• Expanding and strengthening guidance to support the Outcomes

The original EYLF and MTOP have been integral to the success of the NQF for over a decade and are internationally recognised as an exemplar of a high-quality learning framework for early childhood education and school-age care. After more than a decade, it is important they remain current and support effective foundations for high-quality education and care, and relationships across the early childhood and school-age service system.

During 2023, approved providers and their services are encouraged to familiarise themselves with Version 2 of the nationally approved learning framework(s) as they apply to them and begin incorporating the new aspects into their educational program and practice.

The original nationally approved learning frameworks will remain in operation alongside the EYLF V 2.0 and MTOP V 2.0 in 2023 to enable approved providers and their services time to transition. Both versions can be used throughout 2023 before the original versions of these documents are revoked in early 2024.

No changes have been made to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.

For more information, please read the following: New Approved Learning Frameworks