Early childhood education is more than just a place for children to play; it’s about creating a strong foundation for a lifetime of discovery, play, and growth. This philosophy is at the heart of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), Australia’s national guide for early childhood educators.
EYLF is built on the vision of all children having a strong sense of belonging, being, and becoming. So, what are the 5 learning outcomes of EYLF? 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, and Children are effective communicators.
Let’s explore each one and see how they come to life in a quality early learning environment.
Table of Contents
Why the EYLF Outcomes Matter for Your Child
- The EYLF gives parents insight into what happens during their child’s day, revealing the purpose behind every activity, from building blocks to painting.
- It’s not just a curriculum, but a comprehensive approach that nurtures every aspect of a child’s potential.
- The outcomes serve as a guide for educators to observe and document a child’s progress.
- The framework helps in planning future learning experiences that are tailored to your child’s unique interests and abilities.
- It ensures your child’s time in an early learning setting is both meaningful and impactful, laying the groundwork for future success.
EYLF Outcome 1. Children Have a Strong Sense of Identity
This outcome is all about helping a child understand who they are as an individual. It’s about fostering a sense of self-worth and confidence. Educators create a safe and secure environment where every child feels seen and heard. This is where children begin to form an understanding of their own strengths, interests, and emotions.
In action, this looks like:
- Encouraging children to express their feelings and ideas, and helping them build self-regulation skills.
- Celebrating each child’s unique background, culture, and family through stories and activities.
- Supporting them as they develop independence, such as learning to put on their own shoes or pack away their toys.
- Building a loving and trusting relationship between educators and children, which helps them feel safe to explore and take risks.
EYLF Outcome 2. Children Are Connected With and Contribute to Their World
This outcome is about helping children become active and responsible members of their community and the wider world. It teaches them to respect others, appreciate diversity, and care for their environment. It’s about moving beyond just individual play and learning how to interact and cooperate within a larger group.
In action, this looks like:
- Engaging in group activities where children learn to share and cooperate.
- Participating in community projects, such as a garden where they plant vegetables or a recycling activity.
- Learning about different cultures and traditions through stories, music, and art, fostering a sense of global citizenship.
- Encouraging kindness and empathy toward their friends and educators.
EYLF Outcome 3. Children Have a Strong Sense of Wellbeing
Wellbeing includes a child’s physical, social, emotional, and mental health. This outcome is crucial for building resilience and a positive outlook on life. When children feel well, they are better equipped to learn and thrive. A focus on wellbeing ensures that a child’s foundational needs are met, allowing them to engage fully in their learning.
In action, this looks like:
- Providing nutritious meals and encouraging healthy eating habits.
- Creating opportunities for active play to develop their gross motor skills.
- Helping children identify and manage their emotions, from excitement to frustration.
- Teaching them about personal safety and hygiene, such as washing their hands before meals.
EYLF Outcome 4. Children Are Confident and Involved Learners
This is where the magic of play-based learning truly shines. The EYLF outcomes encourage children to be curious, creative, and persistent. The goal is to instil a lifelong love of learning, not just prepare them for school. This outcome is about developing skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and a willingness to try new things.
In action, this looks like:
- Setting up open-ended play areas where children can solve problems and experiment.
- Asking open-ended questions like, “What do you think will happen if…?” to encourage critical thinking.
- Allowing children to make mistakes and learn from them without fear of failure.
- Providing a variety of materials from blocks to paint to natural resources that spark imagination.
EYLF Outcome 5. Children Are Effective Communicators
Communication is about more than just talking; it’s about expressing ideas, needs, and feelings in many ways. This outcome helps children develop the skills they need to connect with others and make sense of their world. This includes not only verbal skills but also non-verbal and pre-literacy skills.
In action, this looks like:
- Reading stories aloud and encouraging children to retell them in their own words.
- Using sign language, pictures, or other visuals to support non-verbal children.
- Encouraging children to use drawing, music, or dance to express themselves.
- Creating a language-rich environment where they can practice talking, listening, and engaging in conversations.
Putting It All Together: A Holistic Approach to Learning
These five EYLF outcomes are not isolated goals; they are interconnected. A child with a strong sense of identity (Outcome 1) feels safe and confident to explore their world (Outcome 2) and become an involved learner (Outcome 4). When their wellbeing is nurtured (Outcome 3), they are better able to communicate their thoughts and needs (Outcome 5). This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of your child’s development are supported.
At Beginnings Early Learners, we’re committed to turning these outcomes into meaningful, everyday experiences for children. Our centres in Sunbury and Alfredton provide warm, nurturing environments where learning is both purposeful and joyful.
If you’d like to see how the EYLF outcomes come to life in our classrooms, we’d love to welcome you. Contact our Sunbury or Alfredton centre today or book a tour and experience our community firsthand.