Personal, social and emotional development

Personal, social and emotional development (PSED) is one of the three prime areas. It is crucial for children to lead healthy and happy lives, and is fundamental to their cognitive development.

Emotions

Strong, warm and supportive relationships with adults enable children to learn understanding of their own feelings and those of others. Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage

Find out more about emotions.

Sense of self

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. Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage

Find out more about sense of self.

Relationships

Through supported interaction with others, children learn how to make good friendships, co-operate and resolve conflicts peaceably. These attributes provide a secure platform, from which children can achieve at school and in later life. Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage

Find out more about relationships.

Resources

Birth to 5 Matters resources for personal, social and emotional development.

Development Matters guidance for personal, social and emotional development.