The Shaping Us Framework, which draws on the expertise of academics, clinicians and practitioners in human development, is designed to provide a universal and flexible way to talk about social and emotional skills from early childhood through to adulthood, recognising that social and emotional skills underpin all areas of development.
It forms part of The Princess of Wales’ mission to create a ‘happier, healthier society’, and comes after findings from the Centre’s latest annual public perceptions survey found 42 per cent of respondents have little or no understanding of how social and emotional skills develop during early childhood.
The first project to be based on the framework is due to be launched by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, later this week.
The Princess of Wales said, ‘To create a physically and mentally healthier society, we must reset, restore, and rebalance…
‘That means taking a profound look at ourselves and our own behaviours, emotions, and feelings. It means getting much better at acting with compassion and empathy towards one another… better understanding how we can protect and build upon what connects and unites us… and acknowledging that society is something we build together, through the actions we take every day.
‘At the heart of all of this is the need for us to develop and nurture a set of social and emotional skills which we must prioritise if we are to thrive.’
Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, commented, 'At a time when all too often discussions around children's learning are focused on narrow, easy-to-measure skills – and getting children 'ready for school' – the Royal Foundation's continued emphasis on broader skills and particularly, children's social and emotional development, is incredibly welcome.
'We look forward to supporting the important work in the months and years to come.'
