Federal, state and territory education ministers have taken a commonsense approach in agreeing to extend the timetable for the development and finalisation of the national curriculum until October next year.

AEU Federal President Angelo Gavrielatos said Australia's first national curriculum was too important to rush.

“Curriculum change affects the lives of 3.4 million children,” Mr Gavrielatos said.

“We must take the time to get the national curriculum right.

 “That is why we have been advocating for a final phase of development and consultation with teachers.