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Hamp Nursery and Infant School Hamp Nursery and Infant School

Hamp Nursery and Infants School

Where every child matters

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) 

At Hamp Nursery and Infant School, Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED) is woven into every aspect of our day. We believe that a child's confidence, resilience, and independence form the foundation for all other areas of learning. Our nursery team works together to support every child’s emotional growth, fostering a nurturing environment where they feel secure, valued, and motivated to learn.

 

Across our three nursery rooms, we focus on three key areas that guide our approach to PSED:

  • Self-regulation
  • Managing self
  • Building relationships

 

These areas are thoughtfully planned and resourced in partnership with our Reception team, ensuring a seamless progression as children transition into school.

 

Humpty Dumpty Room (Our Youngest Learners)

For our youngest children in the Humpty Dumpty Room, we model the social skills and behaviours we want to see, such as sharing, taking turns, and playing cooperatively with peers. Adults guide children through these tasks, like taking turns in the sandpit or sharing bikes in the garden, and as they develop, they are encouraged to carry out these tasks more independently.

 

Building Positive Relationships and Social Skills

Children are taught to follow the expectations of the nursery environment, such as sitting together for story time, following simple instructions, and playing nicely alongside their friends. In our pre-school rooms, 5 Little Ducks and Jack and Jill, activities like puzzles, games, and collaborative play help children learn important social skills like taking turns, sharing, and understanding fairness.

 

Keyworker Approach

We adopt a keyworker approach in our nursery, where each child is assigned a named keyworker who supports them throughout the day. The keyworker builds a strong, trusting relationship with the child and acts as the primary point of contact for parents and carers. This approach gives children the confidence to explore their environment, develop friendships, and feel secure in their learning journey.

 

Promoting Independence and Self-care

We understand the importance of fostering independence in young learners. Our youngest children practice essential life skills such as dressing, handwashing, and toileting through planned, repeated activities. As they move through the nursery, children continue to develop these skills with the help of independent resources and planned activities, building up their confidence and competence. Activities like dressing dolls, sorting healthy foods, and engaging in outdoor physical play help children manage their needs and develop an understanding of self-care.

 

Additionally, children take part in a daily teeth cleaning initiative in partnership with the NHS, reinforcing healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Through songs and routines, we support the children in understanding and following consistent expectations that will guide them throughout their school life.

 

Jigsaw PSHE Scheme (Jack and Jill Room)

In our Jack and Jill pre-school room, we implement the Jigsaw PSHE scheme, which provides weekly lessons where children learn mindfulness, calming techniques, and emotional awareness through the Jigsaw friends. This approach helps children self-regulate, name their feelings, and develop the skills needed to manage their emotions confidently. Jigsaw incorporates both independent exploration and adult-led sessions to support a balanced, holistic approach to PSED.

 

Preparing for School and Lifelong Learning

Throughout the day, every activity in our nursery helps children develop the social, emotional, and practical skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. Our approach to PSED ensures that children are ready to start school as confident, capable, and resilient learners, prepared to face the challenges of the future. At Hamp Nursery and Infant School, we aim to nurture each child to become the best possible version of themselves and a lifelong learner.