Emotional literacy in early years settings

Tower Hamlets Early Years Service has introduced a programme of emotional literacy training for its non-maintained sector settings (i.e. nurseries, playgroups and children's centres).

The training is based around an 'emotional literacy pack', consisting of puppets, books, photographs and other resources. The pack is accompanied by the publication "Emotional literacy in early years settings" (published by Tower Hamlets Early Years Service in 2005). This handbook offers a wealth of practical ideas to early years practitioners wishing to help develop young children’s emotional literacy skills, using a variety of resources which are all provided as part of the emotional literacy pack. The training and emotional literacy packs are offered free of charge to all non-maintained early years settings in the borough. The aim is that by summer 2006 90% of settings will have had the training and will be equipped to introduce an emotional literacy programme in their workplace.

The training and resource packs have been developed by the Early Years Area Inclusion Co-ordinators, members of the Foundation Stage Advisory Team. Team members have a background in educational psychology and/or teaching, and are committed introducing emotional literacy to the very youngest children using a developmentally appropriate approach. This resource fills a gap in the current market, where the vast majority of published resources are aimed at children from the age of 5 upwards, and often consist of a 'worksheet approach' which is unsuitable for children in the foundation stage.

Interested professionals can email jason.swale@towerhamlets.gov.uk to find out more or to order a copy of "Emotional Literacy in Early Years Settings", priced at £10 including postage and packing.

Jason Swale