"Social and Emotional Learning refers to the process through which children learn to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
There are a range of other terms that schools use that overlap with SEL (though have different emphases), including: supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing; character education; development of children’s resilience; bullying prevention; life skills; behaviour management; personal development; and Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development." (EEF Improving Social and Emotional Learning in Primary Schools, 2019)
Social Development
- We provide a range of activities which develop children’s social skills and understanding, like how to care for people, living things, property and the environment. We teach children to work cooperatively as a member of a group or team, taking turns and sharing within a range of social contexts.
- We create opportunities for children to develop positive relationships with peers and adults, including those who have different needs. We teach children to help and support others and to experience being helped by others.
Moral Development
- We encourage children to respond appropriately to the needs and feelings of others and to show consideration and kindness to others. We create opportunities for children to learn from people who are excellent models of positive behaviour.
- We teach children to communicate in ways that will enable them to form positive relationships and enjoy participating in school and community life.
- We give children opportunities across the curriculum to explore and develop moral concepts and values – for example, personal rights and responsibilities, truth, justice, equality of opportunity, right and wrong.