Personal, social and emotional development is one of the six areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It is designed to help children be able to relate to other people and look after themselves.
What does personal, social and emotional development mean?
This area concentrates on the following areas of a child's development:
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Dispositions and attitudes
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Self confidence and self esteem
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Making relationships
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Behaviour and self control
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Self care
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A sense of community.
The Early Years Foundation Stage says that children must be provided with experiences and support which will help them to develop a positive sense of themselves and of others, respect for others, social skills and a positive disposition to learn.
Providers must ensure support for children's emotional well-being to help them to know themselves and what they can do.
What does this mean if your child has a sight problem?
This area may present a particular challenge for a child with little or no sight, but it is important that approaches to learning are developed that encourage independence, self reliance, confidence and a willingness to 'have a go'.
Helping your child develop their personal, social and emotional development
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For children, being special to someone and well cared for is vital to their physical, social and emotional health and well being.
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Children need adults to set a good example and to give them opportunities for interaction with others, such as other family members, people you meet in shops, so that they can develop positive ideas about themselves and others.
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Support the development of independence skills, such as dressing and eating, particularly for children who are highly dependent on adult support for personal care.
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Keep a running commentary of what is happening to inform and reassure your child, particularly if you are doing something new.
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Allow your child to take responsibility as opportunities arise, for instance helping to feed pets.
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Share positive images of children with a visual impairment through books and stories.
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Use your child's name or gentle physical contact to replace the reassuring glance that reminds sighted children that they are being noticed and included.
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Accept that sometimes your child's emotion and attention may be expressed differently but expect the same standards as you would from other children.
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Try to distract your child by offering an attractive alternative activity if they have repetitive behaviours that are not suitable, such as rocking.
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Refer to individual differences openly.