Early Years Learning Framework
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF Info for Families) is a national working document which forms a foundation for best practice, ensuring quality teaching and learning. At Highfields, educators have embraced this document and work together to ensure the EYLF principles, practices and outcomes are met to a high standard.
The 5 learning outcomes identified in the EYLF document are organically woven into the early learning curriculum in the following ways:
Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
At Highfields, children are assisted to develop strength in their identity by ensuring they feel safe and connected, and have a strong voice in their classrooms. Following their interests, providing relevant experiences that allow for choice, and having close and caring relationships with each child all help to form the development of strong identity.
Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
It is fundamental in early childhood education to guide children to be aware citizens of the world in which they live. Children need to feel that they can and do make a difference. Examples at Highfields include guiding children to learn about fairness & sportsmanship through teamwork and games, responding to diversity with respect as we educate children about similarities and differences, learning to be socially responsible for the environment through respectful interactions, as well as valuing the outdoors and providing a range of beautiful and aesthetic materials.
Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
Educators at Highfields help develop a sense of wellbeing by encouraging independence and providing real choices for children to make. Children are assisted to work through relational issues and are challenged physically in their games and sports, as well as individual pursuits.
Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
Children are naturally involved in their learning because, at Highfields, their interests are closely followed by our educators. For instance, through the introduction of an investigation titled ‘I wonder’, a journey unfolds as we listen to the questions and knowledge that the children have about their world and learn with them. Educators ensure that the program is responsive to each child’s needs, which naturally assists children to be engaged learners. At Highfields, we hold in high regard, the value of play-based learning and offer children blocks of uninterrupted play so that children’s involvement is assured.
Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
At Highfields, we encourage effective communication. Educators are aware that communication is expressed in many different forms, including both verbal and non-verbal, drawing, socio-dramatic play or when working with a variety of texts, media and technologies. We aim to observe children communicating in different ways to understand what can be revealed in any given context. Above all, children’s voices are heard and valued.