Page 3 - EY NEWSLETTER Vol 8 Issue 1

Encouraging Emotional Development
Children’s emotions go through incredible development during the early years. As your child
begins to experience different feelings, we have a unique opportunity to model healthy
emotional expression and show them ways of managing these emotions for themselves. By
naming different feelings, encouraging children to talk about their emotions and showing
empathy in our responses, we are helping them to develop the tools they need to understand
themselves and to relate to others. You can also support this at home, as you enhance their
social skills now and prepare them for the challenges they will face throughout life.

Cognitive Growth Through Exploration
As we nurture our children’s full potential, we also need to look at their cognitive development.
Engaging your child in play—be it through imaginative scenarios, building with blocks, or
reading together—we stimulate their curiosity and cognitive abilities. Open-ended questions
and explorative play promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. And the more we
encourage our children to explore and ask questions, the more they will be learning as they
make connections and understand the world around them.

The Role of Language
A robust foundation in language and the ability to communicate effectively is the best way to
prepare your child for academic success and is a key feature of our work in the early years. The
way you interact with your child will also signi cantly in uence their language development.
Reading to your child, engaging in conversations and encouraging them to have ideas, to
express their thoughts and talk about how they feel will enrich their vocabulary and
comprehension skills. These skills are laying the foundations of future academic success while
also enhancing your child’s ability to build relationships and navigate social situations.

Fostering Independence and Con dence
Developing your child’s full potential also involves encouraging their independence and the
con dence they have their own skills. When we allow children to take age-appropriate
risks—whether it’s trying to dress themselves, solving a puzzle, or making simple choices—we
foster this sense of competence and con dence they have in themselves. These small acts of
independence will then have a profound impact on their self-esteem and motivation,
empowering children to tackle the challenges that will see them make real progress.
The early years of every child’s life are a critical period for their development. By nurturing
them within engaging environments, effective support and stimulating experiences, we are
equipping them with the emotional, social and cognitive tools they need to thrive.

But we don’t do this alone. Your involvement during these formative years is shaping their
future, fostering not only well-rounded individuals but also resilient and compassionate
members of society. At the start of this incredible journey, I look forward to a very special year
together as we share in the remarkable growth of your child.

Warm regards,

Dr. Kathryn Peckham
Director of Early Years

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