Social Inclusion and the Early Years Learning Framework: A way of working

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) (Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations, 2009) is the first national framework for Australian early years professionals. It was developed by the Council of Australian Governments with the aim of ensuring that all children '...have the best start in life to create a better future for themselves and for the nation' (Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations, 2009, p 5). The EYLF was developed from extensive national consultation and interrogation of international learning and literature. The framework emphasises being, belonging and becoming. It argues that belonging - having relationships and a place in peoples' lives - is essential for wellbeing. Children need to be, to explore and make their own meanings of the world as they learn and grow, participate in society and become who they are to be.