Personal, Social and Emotional Development

'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.' Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework

Below are some examples of how we provide opportunities for our children to access and explore PSED here at Woodthorpe. 

Enabling Environments / High Quality Provision and Positive Relationships

Creating an enabling environment is crucial to children's learning and is at the heart of what we do. It means providing spaces where children feel safe, comfortable, and confident to explore and learn. When children are allowed the freedom to play and interact, they learn to express themselves, share with others, and navigate their feelings and relationships. This exploration is crucial; it fosters a sense of independence and resilience, enabling them to try new things and, importantly, to make mistakes without fear.

Through play, children are not only having fun but are also developing critical social skills, such as teamwork, empathy, and communication. Whether they are building with blocks, role-playing, or simply sharing toys, these interactions lay the foundation for strong personal relationships. It’s through these experiences that they learn how to cooperate, negotiate, and celebrate each other's successes.

Zones of Regulation

The Zones of Regulation is a framework designed to help children identify and manage their emotions more effectively. Developed from a wealth of research in social emotional learning, neuroscience, and psychology, this programme aims to empower our young learners by promoting self-regulation and emotional awareness.

The framework is divided into four distinct zones, each representing a different state of emotional being:

1. Blue Zone: This zone encompasses feelings of sadness, tiredness, or boredom. When children find themselves in this zone, they may need a bit of encouragement or a quiet moment to re-energise.

2. Green Zone: This is the zone of optimal learning and engagement. Children in the Green Zone feel calm, focused, and ready to learn. It is our goal for children to spend as much time as possible in this zone.

3. Yellow Zone: In this zone, children may experience heightened emotions, such as frustration or anxiety. While they are still in control, they may need some strategies to help them regain a sense of calm.

4. Red Zone: This zone represents intense emotions, such as anger or terror, where a child may feel overwhelmed and unable to regain control. It is crucial for us to support our children to transition out of this zone safely.

By teaching children about these zones, we are equipping them with the necessary skills to recognise their feelings and use effective strategies to cope with difficult emotions. This social emotional learning not only benefits their personal development but also enhances their ability to interact positively with peers and adults alike.

RSHE 

Personal, Social & Health Education (Curriculum menu tab)