Personal, social, and emotional development (PSED) is at the heart of early childhood education. In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), PSED is one of the prime areas because it underpins children’s wellbeing, social skills, behaviour, and readiness to learn.
Right now, many early years practitioners are noticing children’s starting points are a little more varied than in previous years. Some start with a little less independence, some need extra help managing big feelings or forming early friendships, and others are still finding their feet with the communication and self-regulation skills that help them feel settled in a group.
That doesn’t mean settings aren’t delivering PSED well. It means the needs are changing. And when the needs change, the support has to move with it.
Thrive’s new Early Years PSED Provision has been shaped with this in mind. It offers managers, owners and practitioners a clear, neuroscience informed framework that strengthens what settings already do, and gives teams the confidence to respond when children arrive with gaps in social skills, emotional literacy or independence.
What is PSED in the Early Years?
PSED in early years encompasses children’s ability to:- Understand and manage their emotions
- Develop confidence and independence
- Build positive relationships with peers and adults
- Navigate social situations with empathy and respect
In practice, PSED early years work involves activities and strategies that promote emotional literacy, self-regulation, and social skills, all of which are essential for healthy early childhood development.
Why is PSED Important in the Early Years?
Research and EYFS guidance are clear: strong early years personal development lays the foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing. Children with well-supported PSED are more resilient, better able to manage emotions, and more confident in their interactions and learning.
Early years practitioners play a pivotal role. Through reflective practice, attachment-informed approaches, and nurturing relationships, practitioners can help children develop independence, manage their behaviour, and form secure attachments. Thrive’s approach equips staff to meet these needs with confidence.
Key PSED Areas and How Thrive Supports Them?
1. Emotional Development in Early Years
Understanding early childhood emotions and helping children manage them is central to PSED. Thrive’s provision offers strategies for supporting emotional literacy, self-regulation, and behaviour regulation in early years settings.
2. Social Development in Early Years
Building relationships, fostering friendships, and supporting social skills are all part of PSED EYFS outcomes. Thrive provides practical guidance for promoting positive relationships, collaboration, and conflict resolution.
3. Independence and Confidence
Encouraging self-reliance and confidence helps children explore and learn safely. Thrive’s early years resources support practitioners in supporting independence while maintaining secure attachments.
4. Transitions and Behaviour Support
Early years transitions can be challenging for both children and settings. Thrive’s provision includes strategies for easing transitions, supporting behaviour, and promoting wellbeing across the setting.
Building Authority and Confidence in Your Setting
For early years managers and owners, implementing high-quality PSED requires both knowledge and confidence. Thrive’s expertise, rooted in neuroscience and years of relational practice, provides a framework for understanding child development, planning effectively, and guiding practitioners in their key roles. By adopting Thrive’s new PSED provision, settings can meet EYFS expectations and create a strong foundation for children’s learning and wellbeing.
PSED early years work is not optional - it is central to helping children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Thrive’s Early Years PSED Provision gives settings the tools, strategies, and knowledge to confidently support children’s personal development, strengthen practitioner skills, and meet the demands of EYFS PSED guidance.
Discover how Thrive can support your setting’s PSED journey. Explore our Early Years Provision.
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