Early Years Learning Framework

In reply to the Hon. S.L. GAME ().17 October 2024).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Education has advised:

None of the curriculum resources used in early childhood settings encourage children to 'explore' and 'question' their gender identity.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is the national approved learning framework required to be used in services for children from birth to five years of age. The EYLF draws on robust Australian and international evidence and has been developed with considerable input from the early childhood sector, including children and families, approved providers and educators, other professionals, peak bodies, early childhood researchers, as well as the Australian and state and territory governments and the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority.

The Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum is an evidence-based, world leading child safety and respectful relationships curriculum developed by the South Australian Department for Education involving an extensive consultation process with experienced educators from schools and preschools and child protection experts.

The Department for Education's public website has a range of information for parents and families including details on the curricula taught in SA public education settings from the early years to year 12 (EYLF, KS:CPC and Australian Curriculum).

I completely reject that there is a disconnect between what parents expect children to learn and the reality of the curriculum.

It is department policy for public early childhood services to provide documentation about each child's learning program and progress in an accessible format. The Department for Education's public website also has a range of information for parents and families including details on the curricula taught in SA public education settings from the early years to year 12.

All public sector workers are required to uphold the principles set out in the Code of Ethics, including school and preschool leaders, teachers and support staff who should ensure that in their professional roles they do not and are not perceived to persuade students, or school and preschool communities, to hold a particular view.

If you have any specific examples you wish to bring to my attention, I am happy to review them.