Personal, social and emotional development involves helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development is split into 3 aspects:

- Self-Regulation

- Managing Self

- Building Relationships

with the following Early Learning Goals:

• Show an understanding of their own feelings and those of others, and begin to regulate their behaviour accordingly.
• Set and work towards simple goals, being able to wait for what they want and control their immediate impulses when appropriate.
• Give focused attention to what the teacher says, responding appropriately even when engaged in activity, and show an ability to follow instructions involving several ideas or actions.
• Be confident to try new activities and show independence, resilience and perseverance in the face of challenge.
• Explain the reasons for rules, know right from wrong and try to behave accordingly.
• Manage their own basic hygiene and personal needs, including dressing, going to the toilet and understanding the importance of healthy food choices.
• Work and play cooperatively and take turns with others.
• Form positive attachments to adults and friendships with peers. • Show sensitivity to their own and to others’ needs.

Good staff child ratios operate within an effective daily routine, which enable children the time, space and opportunity to participate, contribute and become independent learners.

Through Circle Time and Jigsaw activities children can develop social skills, acquire interpersonal relationship skills, increase awareness of their feelings and become more responsible for their behaviour. It is a time to foster a caring group feeling where each member is valued and valuable, where each child gets a chance to speak and to be listened to.

For those children not yet able to express themselves parents are encouraged to share events and social occasions with us. This enables staff to talk, if necessary, for the child, identifying an occasion and allowing the individual to be part of the group.

During lunch times and snack times, there is also an emphasis on social skills and conversation. Children are encouraged to have good manners, learn to eat and drink independently and staff engage in conversation with the children, perhaps discussing the morning’s activities.

Weekly assemblies for Reception later on in the year are also held that include PSHE topics.