Early Years

Curriculum developments elsewhere

UK and Ireland

Northern Ireland PDF iconPDF file: Curricular Guidance for Pre-School Education

England Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage

Wales A Draft Framework for Children's Learning

Eire Towards a Framework for Early Learning

Further afield

Te Whariki

The early childhood curriculum for New Zealand covers the education and care of children from birth to school entry age. It is available to download as a PDF file.

Starting Strong: Curricula and Pedagogies in Early Childhood Education and Care

This document, (OECD, 2004) outlines five curriculum approaches:

  1. Experiential Education - Effective learning through well-being and involvement
  2. The High/Scope® Curriculum – Active learning through key experiences
  3. The Reggio Emilia Approach – Truly listening to young children
  4. Te Whãriki – A woven mat for all to stand on
  5. The Swedish curriculum – Goals for a modern pre-school system

Educational approaches

Our Approaches to learning section has information on specific educational approaches such as High/Scope.

Updated on: 09 July 2007 The LTS Online Service is funded by the Scottish Government.