Transforming Early Learning
Australia's early learning system isfacing setbacksmaking progressbuilding momentumWe have the power to make it thrive.
Over several years, the Apiary Fellowship has led a national process of deep consultation, listening to children, educators, leaders and communities across the country.
The message was clear: children want to be heard.
Together, we've shaped a powerful, shared vision for bold systemic reform that puts children at the centre and makes connection, culture and care the foundation of learning.
A future where:
every child is supported to thrive
systems are designed with children
connection, culture and care are at the heart of learning.
The Future System Principles reflect these approaches.
They call on educators, leaders, communities and governments to act together for the future of children. Each principle is supported by years of conversations with system leaders, children, educators and more.
Co-created through the Apiary Fellowship and the Front Project, these principles are a bold, cohesive blueprint for systemic action to reimagine early learning.
How Were the Future System Principles Developed?
Children have voiced what they need to live happy, healthy lives. Connection, safety, time to play and learn, and a sense of belonging to place.
Teachers, educators and service leaders have identified the systemic challenges and aspirations shaping their work, from workforce conditions to deeper community engagement.
Policymakers and advocates have acknowledged the need for bold, coordinated reform to build a system that reflects the complexity and value of early learning.
Children’s Voices
Children’s Voices
Children’s Voices are equal in value to those of adults — centred, respected, and embedded in all decisions that affect their lives.
Deep Connections
Deep Connections between children, communities, Country and culture form the foundation of meaningful learning and development.
Shared Accountability
Shared Accountability ensures everyone — families, educators, governments — works together to nurture and champion each child.
Intergenerational Change
Intergenerational Change calls us to act courageously, testing new approaches, investing in lasting structures, and planning for generations to come.
The world is changing rapidly.So must our early learning system.
This is a call to everyone — educators, policymakers, families, health workers, urban planners, and community leaders:
Use the Future System Principles.
Use them to shapeservice practice strategy policyplacemaking
Integrate them into your work, your planning, your conversations. Elevate children’s perspectives. Create environments that reflect their rights, ideas, and dreams.
Explore the principles. Use them to shape service design, practice, strategy, policy and placemaking. Share them widely
And above all, co-create with the children who will live in the future we’re building today.
The principles are already shaping programs, policies, environments and partnerships across the country. They are being used by educators in their planning, policy makers in reform, councils in community design, and advocates at every level to centre children as active citizens.
A Brighter Future for Early Learning Starts Now
Tell us about services or places around Australia where the future system principles are already reflected, we'd love to hear and highlight your stories!
Contact the fellows via theapiary@thefrontproject.org.au