Educational Programme of Study.

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 9 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.

What does this look like in our school?

We use Think Equal to support our PHSE development. This is a global social and emotional learning (SEL) programme which offers a foundation in social justice and mental health between the ages of three and six in order to ensure increased positive life outcomes. The programme is fully aligned with the EYFS curriculum and teaches 25 skills and competencies to help children through their Early Childhood Education. These skills lay the prosocial foundations within the developing brain which leads to successful futures, both for the individual child and wider community.  Children learn, for example, to:

• Manage their own emotions and impulsive behaviours.
• Build their confidence and self-esteem.
• Have empathy and show consideration for others.
• Solve problems effectively and learn to resolve conflicts peacefully.
• Build critical thinking skills and make responsible decisions.
• Maintain healthy relationships and learn to collaborate.

Designed by global experts in the fields of education, human rights, neuroscience and psychology, the Think Equal programme is evidence-based, holistic, easy to use and impactful - designed to support educators by providing the training and tangible tools to bridge the gap between objectives and practice within a classroom environment. Think Equal offers a narrative based approach and is delivered flexibly through a collection of picture books with accompanying teachers notes and lesson plans.