Personal, Social and Emotional Development in the Early Years Foundation Stage

In Early Years PSED is the thread that runs throughout all areas of the curriculum and the learning and skills are on-going where they are continually built upon. We ensure that all our children are mentally and physically healthy with attitudes and learning behaviours that will ensure their success for future years.

Children’s personal, social and emotional development (PSED) is crucial for children to lead healthy and happy lives, and is fundamental to their cognitive development. Underpinning their personal development are the important attachments that shape their social world. Strong, warm and supportive  relationships with adults enable children to learn how to understand their own feelings and those of others. Children should be supported to manage emotions, develop a positive sense of self, set themselves simple goals, have confidence in their own abilities, to persist and wait for what they want and direct attention as necessary. Through adult modelling and guidance, they will learn how to look after their bodies, including healthy eating, and manage personal needs independently. Through supported interaction with other children, they learn how to make good friendships, co-operate and resolve conflicts peaceably. These attributes will provide a secure platform from which children can achieve at school and in later life.

Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage DfE.