Knowing how to create 'enabling environments' that meet children's personal, social and emotional needs can be a bit of a challenge. Often it is easier for practitioners to think about PSED in terms of specific resources, activities or times of the day - such as circle time. So, in this issue of Nursery Equipment, we look at the various strands of this area of learning and show how they can be woven into the fabric of early years provision.
Early years consultant Penny Tassoni starts with a round-up of the strands and pointers for best practice - ideas that are picked up in later articles and answer such questions as: why are private spaces so important for young children? What resources really engage children's curiosity? How do you offer challenge to young children?
As with other areas of resourcing, the same message emerges - but even more forcefully. Resources, say the experts, only 'work' when planned and supported by sensitive practitioners.