Australia’s early learning system is on the cusp of transformation and the opportunity before us has never been greater.
Children, educators, families and leaders across the country have shared their hopes, frustrations and bold ideas for the future. From these conversations, a unifying vision has emerged — the Future System Principles — a shared foundation for reimagining what early learning can and should be.
These principles reflect what matters most: children’s voices, deep connections, shared accountability, and long-term intergenerational change. They are not just values — they are guideposts for action.
How were the Future System Principles developed?
The future system principles have been developed from years of conversations with children, system leaders, educators and more.
Children have clearly 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.
Who and how can we apply the future system principles?
The Future System Principles call on everyone — educators, leaders, communities and governments — to act together in service of children’s futures. Most importantly, they ask us to start with children’s voices.
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.
A Brighter Future for Early Learning Starts Now
Together, we are transforming early learning — with children’s voices leading the way.
Why Now?
The world is changing rapidly. So must our early learning system. Through years of collaborative consultation, listening deeply to children, educators, leaders, and communities across Australia, a powerful shared vision has emerged: a future where every child is supported to thrive, where systems are designed with — not just for — children, and where connection, culture and care are at the heart of learning.
This movement began with national consultations facilitated by The Front Project, including Visioning for the Future of Early Learning, the Transforming Early Learning Summits, and deep dives into what children say they need to lead happy, healthy lives. The message was clear: children want to be heard. They want to shape the environments they grow, play and learn in. And we must listen.
The Future System Principles
Co-created through the Apiary Fellowship, these principles offer a bold, cohesive vision to reimagine early learning. They are not just ideals — they are blueprints for systemic action.
- Children’s Voices are equal in value to those of adults — centred, respected, and embedded in all decisions that affect their lives.
- Deep Connections between children, communities, Country and culture form the foundation of meaningful learning and development.
- Shared Accountability ensures everyone — families, educators, governments — works together to nurture and champion each child.
- Intergenerational Change calls us to act courageously, testing new approaches, investing in lasting structures, and planning for generations to come.
These 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 Story Still Unfolding
We have listened to hundreds of children describe what makes them feel safe, inspired and empowered. We’ve gathered insights from educators and service leaders imagining new ways of working. We’ve seen momentum building — across regions, across sectors, across generations.
From these voices, a new possibility is emerging: one where children help lead the transformation.
Your Role in Shaping the Future
This is a call to everyone — educators, policymakers, families, health workers, urban planners, and community leaders:
Use the Future System Principles.
Integrate them into your work, your planning, your conversations. Elevate children’s perspectives. Create environments that reflect their rights, ideas, and dreams.
Together, let’s co-create a system that:
- Champions imagination, belonging and diversity
- Embeds learning in place, culture and relationships
- Respects every child’s voice — not just as future leaders, but as leaders today
Explore the Future System Principles below and join a growing movement shaping the future of early learning in Australia.