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Centre for Early Childhood releases framework on social and emotional development

On
Feb 4, 2025

by Jess Gibson

Social and emotional skills must be prioritised for children and society to thrive, according to a new framework published by the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.  

The Shaping Us framework aims to improve the awareness and understanding of young children's social and emotional skills, outlining 30 鈥渃rucial鈥 life skills that begin to develop in the early years and impact throughout life. 

The new framework draws on the expertise of academics, clinicians, and practitioners in human development from across the globe, offering what it describes as 鈥渁 universal and flexible way to talk about social and emotional skills that cuts across all areas of life and engages a broad audience鈥.  

The publication follows the Royal Foundation Centre鈥檚 annual public perception survey, which revealed that, though 94% of adults surveyed believe social and emotional skills are important to happiness in adult life, 42% reported having little to no understanding of how these skills develop in early childhood. 

The full report can be found . 

Christian Guy, executive director of The Centre for Early Childhood, said: 鈥淚t is time that we recognised and acted upon the undeniable significance of social and emotional skills and give them the recognition they deserve. Getting this right in early childhood 鈥 when we lay the foundations upon which these skills continue to grow throughout our lives 鈥 could have a truly profound impact on the future of individuals and of our society.鈥  

Commenting, Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, said: 鈥淲e warmly welcome the announcement of this new framework from the Centre for Early Childhood. 

"At a time when, all too often, discussions around children's learning are focused on narrow, easy-to-measure skills 鈥 and getting children 'ready for school' 鈥 the Royal Foundation's continued emphasis on broader skills and particularly, children's social and emotional development, is incredibly welcome. 

"We look forward to supporting the important work in the months and years to come."

Find out more about supporting children's emotional wellbeing in our Virtual Classroom

Do you want to develop your understanding of emotional wellbeing and development in young children, and actively promote this in your provision?

This Virtual Classroom supports early years educators to develop their understanding and knowledge around children鈥檚 emotional wellbeing, support this in their daily practice and extend it into the home learning environment.

During this interactive Virtual Classroom, you will:

  • Discuss the concept of emotional wellbeing in young children

  • Identify ways to support this within your provision through an enabling environment and play opportunities

  • Embed trauma-informed practice in your provision

  • Initiate an action plan to develop and maintain a Wellbeing Policy in your provision

  • Recognise and support the role of parents and the home learning environment in further supporting children鈥檚 emotional development