Early Years Learning Framework

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is a guide which consists of principles, practices and 5 main learning outcomes, based on identity, community, wellbeing, learning and communicating. The learning outcomes are used to reflect about children's learning and focus on what a child can achieve.

preschool child swinging Boys sitting on equipment preschool child on scooter

The Early Years Learning Framework enables Ainslie School's early childhood educators within the preschool settings to extend and enrich children's learning, provide opportunities for children to develop a foundation for learning and for children to become successful learners.

Within the Early Years Learning Framework there are three basic concepts that children's lives are characterised by - Belonging, Being and Becoming. This refers to how a child from even before birth is linked to family, community, culture and place. Through these relationships a child's development and learning takes place as they begin to explore, develop interests, create their own identity and make meaning of the world around them. The three concepts, Belonging, Being & Becoming, represent life and living and are constantly referred to throughout the EYLF.

Learning Outcomes 

The EYLF learning outcomes are goals which can be achieved by a child during their learning. The outcomes and sub outcomes cover a variety of areas which include identity, community, wellbeing, learning and communication. 

Learning Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity

  • 1.1 Children feel safe, secure, and supported.
  • 1.2 Children develop their emerging autonomy, inter-dependence, resilience and sense of agency.
  • 1.3 Children develop knowledgeable and confident self identities.
  • 1.4 Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy and respect.

Learning Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world

  • 2.1 Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities and an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active community participation.
  • 2.2 Children respond to diversity with respect.
  • 2.3 Children become aware of fairness.
  • 2.4 Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment.

Learning Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

  • 3.1 Children become strong in their social and emotional wellbeing.
  • 3.2 Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing.

Learning Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners

  • 4.1 Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity.
  • 4.2 Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating.
  • 4.3 Children transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another.
  • 4.4 Children resource their own learning through connecting with people, place, technologies and natural and processed materials.

Learning Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators

  • 5.1 Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes.
  • 5.2 Children engage with a range of texts and gain meaning from these texts.
  • 5.3 Children express ideas and make meaning using a range of media.
  • 5.4 Children begin to understand how symbols and pattern systems work.
  • 5.5 Children use information and communication technologies to access information, investigate ideas and represent their thinking.

photo of a boy in preschool building