Early Years Learning Framework

Our Children, Our Community, Growing Together

What is the Early Years Learning Framework?

The Early Years Learning Framework is an Early Childhood Curriculum Framework developed by State and Federal Governments in Australia which forms the foundation for ensuring that children in all early childhood education and care settings experience quality teaching and learning. It has a specific emphasis on play-based learning and recognises the importance of communication and language, and social and emotional development.

Fundamental to the Framework is a view of children’s lives as characterised by belonging, being and becoming. From before birth children are connected to family, community, culture and place. Their earliest development and learning takes place through these relationships, particularly within families, who are children’s first and most influential educators. As children participate in everyday life, they develop interests and construct their own identities and understandings of the world.

The Framework conveys the highest expectations for all children’s learning from birth to five years and through the transitions to school. It communicates these expectations through the following five Learning Outcomes:

Children have a strong sense of identity
Children are connected with and contribute to their world
Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
Children are confident and involved learners
Children are effective communicators.

These outcomes guide educators in their curriculum decision making and assists in planning, implementing and evaluating quality in early childhood settings. The Framework is designed to inspire conversations, improve communication and provide a common language about young children’s learning among children themselves, their families, the broader community, early childhood educators and other professionals.

The Learning Outcomes, Principles and Practice of the Early Years Learning Framework

For further information about the Early Years Learning Framework, please view the below PDF