On 27 and 28 January 2026, Netherlands Institute for Curriculum Development SLO hosted an expert meeting on Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Amersfoort, the Netherlands. Representatives from Ireland, Wales, Slovenia and the Netherlands came together to work towards a joint European curriculum framework for children aged 0/2 to 6/7 years. The central aim of the meeting was to explore shared foundations for a future-oriented ECE curriculum framework, one that provides direction without being prescriptive, and allows room for national emphases.
Three core themes emerged as the basis for such a framework: well-being and involvement, broad development across interconnected domains, and play as the primary driver of learning in early childhood.
Working in smaller groups and making use of SLO’s vision game for early childhood education, participants explored how these shared principles could be translated into a practical, three-layered framework structure: guiding principles and vision, developmental domains and pedagogical principles, and practical examples for implementation.
The diversity of ECE systems across the participating countries was embraced not as an obstacle, but as a valuable source of inspiration and reflection. A recurring theme throughout the meeting was the critical importance of professional staff. As experts emphasised, a curriculum framework can only have impact when professionals are equipped with the knowledge, skills and reflective attitude needed to interpret and apply it meaningfully. The meeting proved to be a highly productive and inspiring two days, with all participating countries contributing actively to the discussions. CIDREE would like to extend its sincere thanks to SLO for the excellent organisation and warm hospitality, and to all participants for their valuable engagement and enthusiasm throughout.
