Early Years Learning Framework

What is the Early Years Learning Framework?

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is Australia’s national curriculum framework for children from birth to five years of age. It guides early childhood educators in delivering play-based learning that builds confidence, emotional security, communication skills and a strong sense of identity. The EYLF ensures that no matter which approved service a family chooses — whether long day care, preschool or family day care — children experience a consistent and high-quality approach to early learning.

The vision of the Early Years Learning Framework is founded on three core ideas: Belonging, Being and Becoming. These concepts acknowledge children as capable learners who develop through relationships, exploration, everyday experiences and supportive environments. Rather than focusing on “schoolwork,” the EYLF emphasises the importance of curiosity, creativity, resilience and emotional wellbeing as the foundations for lifelong learning.

Child Care Guide Tip: Child Care Guide offer a complete guide to the Belonging, Being and Becoming.

Why the Early Years Learning Framework Matters

The first five years are the most significant period of brain development, shaping how children think, feel, communicate and connect with others. The Early Years Learning Framework matters because it protects these years from being left to chance. It provides structure, purpose and clarity: educators plan and reflect on learning, environments are designed with intention, and children are supported to develop skills that will help them thrive at school and beyond.

For families, the EYLF offers reassurance. It ensures that early learning is not just “care” — it is a thoughtful, evidence-based experience that supports children socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. Parents can feel confident that quality services using the EYLF have a clear plan for how children learn through play and how progress is supported over time.

How the EYLF Supports Children’s Learning and Development

The Early Years Learning Framework helps children:

build strong relationships and a secure sense of self
communicate effectively and express ideas
develop social and emotional skills
explore language, symbols, literacy and numeracy through play
solve problems, ask questions and think creatively
develop physical skills, coordination and confidence
connect with culture, community and the world around them

Children learn best when they feel safe, supported and understood. EYLF-aligned programs focus on relationships before academics, because emotional security is the foundation of all learning. When children feel they belong, they take risks, explore, persist and discover.

How the EYLF Supports Families

The Early Years Learning Framework is not just for educators — it also strengthens partnerships with families. By using a shared language and clear learning goals, educators can explain what children are learning and why activities are offered. Families benefit from:

clearer communication about their child’s progress
more consistent expectations between home and care
greater transparency about learning goals and approaches
confidence that their child’s wellbeing and development are at the centre of decision-making

The EYLF recognises parents as a child’s most important teachers. Educators are encouraged to value family voices, respect cultural identity, and collaborate with parents to support learning in meaningful, personal ways.

The Principles of the Early Years Learning Framework

The EYLF is built on a set of guiding Principles that shape quality practice. Instead of being a checklist, these principles describe the attitudes, values and relationships that underpin great early learning environments.

Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships
Children learn best when they trust the people around them. Warm, responsive relationships help them feel safe, confident and understood.

Partnerships with families
Families and educators share knowledge, communicate openly and work together to support each child’s learning journey.

High expectations and equity
All children are capable learners. Educators support every child to reach their potential, removing barriers and embracing differences.

Respect for diversity
Children’s cultures, languages, abilities and identities are welcomed and celebrated. Diversity enriches learning and builds understanding.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives
Educators honour First Nations knowledge, culture and connection to Country in ways that are genuine, meaningful and respectful.

Sustainability
Children learn to care for their world through everyday practices that protect the environment and support community wellbeing.

Collaborative leadership and teamwork
Strong teams share responsibility, reflect together and continually improve their practice.

Ongoing learning and reflective practice
Educators question, adapt and grow to ensure children always receive the highest quality learning experiences.

Child Care Guide Tip: Child Care Guide offer a complete guide to the EYLF Principles.

EYLF in Practice — What Parents Can Expect to See

While the Early Years Learning Framework sets a national standard, each service brings it to life in its own unique way. What matters is that families can see evidence of thoughtful planning, meaningful play and genuine relationships.

Educators use the EYLF to observe children, plan experiences and reflect on their teaching. They offer play opportunities that extend thinking, build language, encourage problem-solving and support emotional growth. Rather than directing every moment, educators gently guide learning — asking questions, offering resources, and stepping in or stepping back at the right times.

Families can expect to see:

play experiences with a clear purpose
environments that invite curiosity, imagination and exploration
educators who genuinely know each child’s interests, strengths and needs
documentation that explains what children are learning and why it matters
calm, predictable routines that help children feel secure

In an EYLF-aligned service, play is not “just play” — it is the vehicle through which children make meaning, gain confidence and build essential skills.

The Five EYLF Learning Outcomes

The Early Years Learning Framework is built around five broad learning outcomes. These outcomes guide educators in planning, supporting and assessing each child’s progress.

Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
Children feel safe, valued and connected. They develop resilience, confidence and a positive sense of who they are.

Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
Children learn about community, fairness, responsibility and respect. They begin to understand their role in caring for others and the environment.

Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
Wellbeing includes physical health, emotional safety, self-regulation and confidence. Children learn to manage feelings, take risks safely and participate in active play.

Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
Children explore, experiment, investigate and solve problems. They develop curiosity, creativity and persistence through hands-on, play-based learning.

Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
Children grow as listeners, speakers, storytellers and thinkers. They explore language, symbols, literacy and numeracy in meaningful, everyday ways.

These outcomes are not “subjects” — they are interconnected areas of growth. Children progress through them at their own pace, supported by thoughtful teaching and supportive relationships.

Child Care Guide Tip: Child Care Guide offer a complete guide to the EYLF Outcomes.

Cultural Responsiveness and Inclusion

The Early Years Learning Framework celebrates diversity and recognises that every child brings their own culture, language, family life and strengths. EYLF-aligned services:

respect and reflect children’s backgrounds in daily practice
support multilingualism and home languages
teach inclusion, empathy and understanding
embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in genuine and ongoing ways

Children grow when they see themselves reflected in their environment — and when they learn to value others.

EYLF and the National Quality Standard (NQS)

The EYLF and NQS work hand-in-hand. The NQS sets quality expectations for early learning services, while the EYLF guides how the curriculum is delivered. When a service meets or exceeds the National Quality Standard, families can feel confident that the EYLF is being used thoughtfully, consistently and effectively.

Sydney Childcare Tip: Read our guide to the National Quality Standard.

Child Care Guide Tip: Child Care Guide offer a complete guide to the National Quality Standard.

Supporting the Transition to School

One of the strengths of the Early Years Learning Framework is its focus on helping children feel confident and prepared for school. EYLF-aligned programs support:

independence, resilience and self-help skills
early literacy and numeracy concepts
social and emotional readiness
positive attitudes toward learning
smooth communication between families, services and schools

The goal is not to push academic pressure, but to nurture capable, curious children who are ready to participate, connect and thrive in a school environment.

Choosing a Service That Uses the EYLF Well

When visiting a service, parents can look for signs that the Early Years Learning Framework is genuinely embedded — not just displayed in a policy folder.

Helpful questions include:

“How do educators plan learning experiences using the EYLF?”
“How do you share my child’s progress with me?”
“Can you tell me how play links to learning?”
“How do you support culture, identity and wellbeing?”
“What does school readiness mean in this service?”

If educators can answer clearly and confidently — and you can see their values reflected in practice — you are likely in a service that uses the EYLF well.

Early Years Learning Framework – FAQs

Q: Is the Early Years Learning Framework compulsory?
A: Yes. All approved early learning services in Australia use the EYLF.

Q: Does the EYLF include literacy and numeracy?
A: Yes. Literacy and numeracy are embedded in meaningful, play-based experiences — not formal worksheets.

Q: What is “intentional teaching”?
A: It means educators plan and respond in thoughtful ways to extend children’s learning during play.

Q: How does the EYLF support cultural diversity?
A: By valuing identity, respecting languages and cultures, and embedding inclusive practices.

Q: Does the EYLF prepare children for school?
A: Yes. It supports confidence, independence, communication and cognitive growth, giving children a strong foundation before formal schooling begins.

Final Summary

The Early Years Learning Framework gives every child the chance to learn, grow and belong in a safe, supportive and inspiring environment. It ensures early learning is purposeful, play-based and grounded in strong relationships — no matter which approved service a family chooses. By understanding the EYLF, parents can make informed decisions and partner confidently with educators through their child’s most important developmental years.