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.

The Early Years Statutory Framework 2024

Activities at Home

• Play games to encourage sharing and turn taking

• Talk about how things make both you and your child feel

• Encourage your child to wash their hands after going to the toilet

• Encourage your child to dress themselves
• When your child does something they shouldn't have, encourage your child to think about what they did and why it was wrong 
• Talk to your child about how to stay safe in a range of situations