Early Years Learning Framework Outcomes

A Guide to the Early Years Learning Framework Outcomes for Parents and Educators

The Early Years Learning Framework Outcomes are the foundation of early childhood education in Australia. They describe the essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions children should develop through high-quality early learning experiences. These outcomes help educators design programs that support every aspect of a child’s growth — from their sense of identity to their ability to connect with and contribute to the world around them.

For parents, understanding the EYLF outcomes can provide valuable insight into how learning happens in the early years and how to support your child’s development at home. For educators, they serve as a guiding framework for observation, planning, reflection, and assessment.

What Are the Early Years Learning Framework Outcomes?

The EYLF Outcomes outline broad areas of learning rather than rigid milestones. They acknowledge that every child learns at their own pace, in their own way, and that development is a dynamic, interconnected process.

There are five key Early Years Learning Framework 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

Each outcome is deeply interconnected — progress in one often supports growth in others. Below, we break them down in detail and explore how educators and parents can work together to support them.

Early Years Learning Framework Outcomes

Early Years Learning Framework Outcome 1: Children Have a Strong Sense of Identity

A strong sense of identity is the foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing. When children feel safe, secure, and supported, they develop confidence, resilience, and self-worth. They learn who they are, where they belong, and how they relate to others.

EYLF Learning Outcome 1 is:

Children feeling safe, secure, and supported (EYLF LO1.1)
Children develop their emerging autonomy, inter-dependence, resilience, and agency (EYLF LO1.2)
Children develop knowledgeable confident self-identities, and a positive sense of self-worth (EYLF LO1.3)
Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy, and respect (EYLF LO1.4)

Examples of How to Support This Outcome

For educators:

Build consistent, nurturing relationships and respond sensitively to children’s cues.
Celebrate each child’s strengths, achievements, and unique qualities.
Provide opportunities for children to make choices and contribute to decision-making.
Incorporate photos, names, and personal items in the learning environment to foster belonging.

For parents:

Use positive language and praise effort rather than only outcomes.
Talk with your child about their feelings and experiences and validate their emotions.
Encourage independence by allowing them to make small choices at home.
Share stories about family, culture, and heritage to strengthen their sense of identity.

Early Years Learning Framework Outcome 2: Children Are Connected with and Contribute to Their World

Children learn about the world — and their place in it — through relationships, community involvement, and meaningful participation. This outcome focuses on developing empathy, respect, social responsibility, and a sense of active citizenship.

This outcome is about children:

Building respectful relationships with others
Learning about fairness, inclusion, and diversity
Participating in their communities and caring for the environment
Understanding their impact on people and places

Examples of How to Support This Outcome

For educators:

Include collaborative group projects that encourage teamwork and cooperation.
Explore cultural diversity through books, stories, music, and celebrations.
Incorporate sustainability practices such as recycling, gardening, or caring for animals.
Create opportunities for children to engage with their local community.

For parents:

Model respect for the environment and discuss why it matters.
Encourage your child to help with family tasks and community events.
Talk about fairness, kindness, and inclusion during everyday situations.
Explore local parks, libraries, or cultural events together.

Early Years Learning Framework Outcome 3: Children Have a Strong Sense of Wellbeing

Wellbeing underpins all aspects of development and learning. This outcome focuses on physical health, emotional resilience, and the ability to manage challenges and build positive relationships.

This outcome is about children:

Developing physical skills and confidence in their bodies
Learning to regulate their emotions and behaviour
Building coping strategies and resilience
Developing healthy attitudes toward nutrition, hygiene, and self-care

Examples of How to Support This Outcome

For educators:

Offer a variety of physical activities that build strength, balance, and coordination.
Teach strategies for identifying and managing emotions.
Create safe, nurturing environments that support risk-taking and independence.
Integrate wellbeing practices such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques.

For parents:

Celebrate your child’s efforts to overcome challenges.
Encourage outdoor play, movement, and active games.
Talk about feelings and model healthy ways to cope with frustration or disappointment.
Support healthy habits like handwashing, sleep routines, and balanced nutrition.

Early Years Learning Framework Outcome 4: Children Are Confident and Involved Learners

This outcome is about curiosity, problem-solving, and a lifelong love of learning. Children develop these qualities when they are encouraged to explore, experiment, and engage deeply with ideas and challenges.

This outcome is about children:

Developing curiosity, persistence, and creativity
Using problem-solving, inquiry, and investigation to learn
Making connections between prior and new experiences
Transferring knowledge and skills across contexts

Examples of How to Support This Outcome

For educators:

Provide open-ended materials and provocations that encourage exploration.
Pose challenges and questions that invite problem-solving and critical thinking.
Celebrate mistakes as opportunities for learning.
Scaffold children’s investigations by building on their interests.

For parents:

Encourage persistence by praising effort and strategies, not just results.
Ask open-ended questions that encourage thinking (“What do you think will happen if…?”).
Explore new places, activities, or experiments together.
Offer toys and materials that can be used in many ways, rather than single-purpose items.

Early Years Learning Framework Outcome 5: Children Are Effective Communicators

Communication is key to learning, relationships, and participation. This outcome covers language, literacy, numeracy, expression, and the many ways children share meaning and make sense of the world.

This outcome is about children:

Developing oral language and vocabulary
Engaging with books, storytelling, symbols, and digital media
Understanding early numeracy concepts
Expressing themselves creatively through art, drama, music, and movement

Examples of How to Support This Outcome

For educators:

Engage children in rich conversations and model new vocabulary.
Read a wide range of books and encourage storytelling and retelling.
Provide opportunities for creative expression through art, music, and dramatic play.
Integrate numeracy concepts naturally into routines and play.

For parents:

Encourage your child to express themselves through drawing, dance, or pretend play.
Read with your child every day and talk about the story, pictures, and words.
Sing songs, recite rhymes, and play language games.
Count, sort, and measure together during everyday tasks.

Why the Early Years Learning Framework Outcomes Matter

The Early Years Learning Framework Outcomes provide a roadmap for holistic development in the early years. They guide educators in planning rich, responsive learning experiences and help parents understand how everyday interactions support deep, meaningful learning.

Together with the EYLF Principles and Practices, these outcomes ensure that children leave early childhood education with the skills, confidence, and curiosity they need to succeed at school and beyond.

Explore More About the EYLF

Want to learn more about the Early Years Learning Framework? Explore the other key elements:

And if you’re planning your childcare journey, don’t miss our Child Care Subsidy Guide for a full breakdown of how government support works.