Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) is at the very heart of early childhood education. It shapes who children are, how they understand themselves, and how they build relationships with others. At our nursery, we believe that when children feel secure, valued, and understood, they are able to approach learning with confidence, curiosity, and joy. PSED is therefore not a stand-alone subject but a golden thread that runs through every aspect of our provision.
Through sensitive interactions, a nurturing environment, and carefully planned activities, we support children in developing emotional resilience, social competence, self-awareness, and a sense of belonging. Our aim is to help each child feel cherished as an individual while learning how to be part of a wider community.
Relationships are the foundation of PSED. Every child in our setting is welcomed with warmth and consistent care, ensuring they feel safe and secure from their very first day. Our key person system ensures each child has a designated practitioner who builds a close, trusting bond with both the child and their family. This trusted adult is the anchor who provides comfort during transitions, supports emotional regulation, and celebrates each child’s progress.
We take time to listen deeply to children—understanding their interests, recognising their unique personalities, and tuning in to their emotional cues. Through calm, responsive interactions, we model empathy, respect, and gentle communication. Children learn from what they see, so our practitioners are intentional in demonstrating kindness, patience, and positive behaviour at all times.
Helping children understand who they are and what makes them unique is an important part of PSED. We offer many opportunities for children to talk about their likes, dislikes, interests, cultural backgrounds, and achievements. These conversations help children form a positive sense of identity and develop the confidence to express themselves.
Children are encouraged to make choices, take ownership of small responsibilities, and voice their thoughts and ideas. Whether selecting resources during play, helping prepare snack, or choosing the next song at group time, these moments empower children and show them that their opinions matter.
We celebrate effort, perseverance, and personal growth rather than perfection. When children encounter challenges—whether building a tower or putting on a coat—practitioners gently encourage them to keep trying. This fosters resilience and the belief that they are capable learners.
Young children often feel emotions intensely and may not yet have the words to express what they are experiencing. We support emotional development by helping children name their feelings, recognise body cues, and understand that all emotions are valid.
To support this, we:
Model emotional language, such as “It looks like you’re feeling frustrated. How can I help?”
Use visual aids like feelings charts to help children identify emotions.
Guide children through calming strategies such as deep breathing, sensory play, or quiet time in a cosy corner.
Offer comfort and reassurance during moments of upset.
Celebrate positive emotional expression, such as sharing, kindness, and patience.
Over time, children learn how to manage their emotions more independently, gaining confidence in understanding their own inner world.
Nursery is often the first place where children begin to navigate friendships and community life. We support children in learning how to share, take turns, collaborate, and negotiate during play. These skills are not taught through rules alone, but through modelling, guidance, and patient repetition.
Our practitioners facilitate social interactions by:
Encouraging cooperative play through shared activities.
Supporting children in resolving conflicts calmly and respectfully.
Modelling polite language such as “please,” “thank you,” and “can I join in?”
Helping children understand the impact of their actions on others.
Creating opportunities for pair work, group tasks, and shared responsibilities.
We also emphasise the importance of kindness and empathy. Children learn to recognise when others might need help, comfort a friend, or celebrate another child's achievements. These early experiences lay the groundwork for emotionally intelligent, socially responsible individuals.
Developing independence is an important part of PSED. We encourage children to take increasing responsibility for their own needs, such as dressing themselves, tidying toys, washing hands, and managing personal belongings. Practitioners support children with patience, recognising that independence grows gradually and requires practice.
Opportunities for independence include:
Self-serve snack and mealtimes.
Choosing resources and setting up play areas.
Managing coats, shoes, and bags.
Simple jobs like watering plants or helping organise books.
These tasks help children build pride in themselves and understand that they are capable contributors to their community.
A strong sense of belonging helps children feel secure and respected. Our nursery celebrates diversity, ensuring every child feels seen, valued, and included. We reflect different cultures, languages, family structures, and experiences throughout our curriculum, resources, and displays.
We also involve children in shaping their environment. Their artwork, photos, and creations are proudly displayed, helping them take ownership of the space. Group rituals such as morning greetings, circle time, and celebratory events further strengthen the feeling of community.
PSED is embedded within every experience at our nursery. During play, children practise taking turns, solving problems together, expressing ideas, and managing emotions. In creative activities, they take pride in their work, share resources, and explore their sense of identity. Outdoor play offers countless opportunities for resilience, cooperation, and self-regulation.
Books and stories play a key role in supporting PSED. We use carefully chosen books to prompt conversations about friendships, feelings, kindness, and diversity. Storytelling allows children to explore emotions in a safe and imaginative way.
We recognise that children develop socially and emotionally at different rates. Some may be naturally confident and outgoing, while others are quieter, more reflective, or slower to warm up. Our approach is highly personalised, ensuring each child receives the support that suits their temperament and developmental stage.
For children who need additional help—for example, those with speech delays, social communication needs, or anxiety—we work closely with families and external professionals to provide consistent, compassionate support. We use observation, individual planning, and targeted intervention to help every child feel understood and successful.
Families are central to a child’s emotional wellbeing. We build strong partnerships with parents through regular communication, shared goal-setting, and meaningful dialogue. Parents are encouraged to share insights about their child’s personality, interests, and home routines so that we can provide consistent care.
We also offer advice, resources, and support for families navigating challenges such as separation anxiety, behaviour concerns, or emotional regulation, ensuring a joined-up approach between home and nursery.
In Summary
Personal, Social and Emotional Development is the foundation upon which all other learning is built. Our nurturing, relationship-focused approach ensures every child feels loved, supported, and empowered to be themselves. Through warm interactions, thoughtful guidance, and a rich social environment, we help children become confident, resilient, compassionate individuals who are ready to embrace new challenges and thrive within the wider world.