Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Personal, Social and Emotional Development lies at the very heart of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and in essence every single activity a child does, whether climbing a tree, writing their first letter or counting all the way to 11, influences their own sense of worth and self confidence.

As each hurdle is mastered; each skill practiced and learned, so their emotional well being and self esteem are built up and strengthened thus creating a more confident and happy child.

The best way to encourage personal, social and emotional development is through play.

Why?

• It is essential for learning.  It brings children's world alive and inspires their imagination.
• Little ones have fun when playing, and enjoy themselves.
• They are active and it promotes healthy living.
• Young children learn a little about themselves and how to communicate ideas and games to others both fellow children and the carers too.
• They experiment in a free environment and try things out without fear of getting it "wrong".
• They are free to explore in their own way whether this be ideas and games or materials and equipment.
• They learn about interaction, negotiation with other children and rules of games etc.

The EYFS has just gone through review by Dame Care Tickell.  Amongst her recommendations is that the EYFS is slimmed down and it is likely that the areas of learning will be reduced from six core areas to three.  So important is Personal, Social and Emotional Development that it is one of the areas that will be preserved.  Dame Clare Tickell's report suggests:-

A new focus on three prime areas which are the foundations for children’s ability to learn and develop healthily: personal, social and emotional development; communication and language; and physical development.