The purpose of this literature review is to undertake a concise review of contemporary literature and other frameworks to identify areas of strength and potential areas for updating the national Approved Learning Frameworks (ALFs).

Becoming Being and Belonging: Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), published in 2009, sets out the principles, practices and learning outcomes to be used in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) of children from birth to age 5 years. My Time, Our Place: Framework for School Age Care in Australia (MTOP) using a similar structure was subsequently developed and published in 2011 to be used in outside school hours care (OSHC) settings with children and young people. Providers of ECEC and OSHC services are required to use the ALFs to guide: the development of programs that promote children’s learning and development; the pedagogical practices of educators including early childhood teachers; and a considered and reflective approach to planning and assessment for each child.

The overarching question that underpinned the review was: 

1. What aspects of the EYLF/MTOP are affirmed and what requires consideration for alteration based on evidence from the last 12 years? 

A scoping methodology was employed to investigate this question and the literature review was conducted over four phases: 

• Phase 1. Processes of inclusion
• Phase 2: Cluster group input
• Phase 3: Quality audit
• Phase 4: Constructing the review