Personal, Social & Emotional Development in EYFS — Knowledge Organiser

The three PSED ELGs

1. 1 Self-Regulation By ELG: Show an understanding of their own feelings and those of others, and begin to regulate their behaviour accordingly. Set and work towards simple goals, being able to wait for what they want and control their immediate impulses when appropriate.
2. 2 Managing Self By ELG: Be confident to try new activities and show independence, resilience, and perseverance. Explain the reasons for rules, know right from wrong, and try to behave accordingly. Manage their own basic hygiene and personal needs, including dressing, going to the toilet, and understanding the importance of healthy food choices.
3. 3 Building Relationships By ELG: Work and play cooperatively and take turns with others. Form positive attachments to adults and friendships with peers. Show sensitivity to their own and to others' needs.
4. 4 Why PSED is a prime area PSED is foundational to all other learning. A child who cannot self-regulate cannot attend. A child who cannot build relationships cannot access collaborative learning. PSED underpins everything.
5. 5 Self-regulation is not behaviour management Self-regulation means the child has developing internal control — they are learning to pause, think, and choose. External rules and routines scaffold this but cannot replace it. The goal is the internal regulation, not compliance.
6. 6 Co-regulation first Children develop self-regulation through co-regulation with trusted adults. The adult models calm, names emotions, provides a soothing presence. Children gradually internalise these strategies.
7. 7 Provision for PSED Consistent trusted adults. Predictable, safe environments. Emotion vocabulary taught explicitly. Restorative approaches rather than punishment. Books and stories that explore feelings. PSHE through play.
8. 8 Attachment and PSED Securely attached children regulate better, form relationships more easily, and show more resilience. PSED provision starts with the adult-child relationship quality.