Social, emotional and mental health needs

Some children under 5 who have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) also have SEMH needs. These children may:

• show behaviours linked to anxiety
• find social relationships difficult
• struggle to manage their emotions

These challenges might look like:

• difficulty engaging in play
• difficulties with verbal communication
• emotional distress

Supporting young children with SEMH needs requires a sensitive and individual approach. To help them feel safe and ready to learn, children benefit from:

• strong relationships
• predictable routines
• clear communication

Talk about your strategies with other people who care for your child so that they know what works best.

Consistent key worker approach

Children thrive when they feel safe and understood. A consistent key worker (or familiar adult) helps children feel secure, especially during new routines or when things change. This trusted relationship forms the basis for emotional and social development.

Small group opportunities

Small, consistent groups help children build trust with adults and peers. It also gives adults time to notice individual needs and provide targeted emotional support.

Clear expectations and boundaries

Simple, predictable routines help children feel safe. Use:

• visual reminders, such as pictures and symbols
• short, clear instructions
• consistent rules and expectations

This can reduce anxiety and help children understand what is expected.

Social play

Play with adults or children their own age helps children learn:

• turn taking
• sharing
• co-operating
• resolving small conflicts

Use activities that encourage teamwork, such as building bricks or role play.

Books and stories

Use stories to show positive examples of friendships, emotions and social interactions. Children benefit from stories that reflect their own relationships and lives.

Demonstrate positive interactions

Children learn a lot by copying adults. Warm greetings, polite language and patience help children understand how to interact with others.

Comment on what the child is doing

Use simple language and key words to describe their play, for example 'building', 'rolling ball' or 'happy'. This helps children develop vocabulary and understand their emotions.

Support social skills

Use:

• pictures, symbols and gestures
• demonstrating what you would like them to do
• shorter waiting times
• supported turn taking

This helps children who find social interaction challenging.

Introduce emotional vocabulary

Teach simple emotion words such as 'happy', 'sad', 'angry' or 'worried'. Label their feelings - 'I can see you are sad'. Visual resources such as emotion cards can help.

Use play to build emotional literacy

Role play, puppets and stories help children recognise emotions in themselves and others.

Outdoor play

Children need space to move and release energy. Outdoor play helps reduce stress and supports emotional regulation.

Visual supports

Use photos, symbols or objects to show what is happening now and what is coming next. This helps children understand routines, what is happening or about to happen. This may help them feel calmer and more confident.

Clear, simple instructions

Break instructions into small steps. Use gestures or pictures to support understanding.

Moving from one activity to another

If this is difficult, try:

• making changes more predictable by having consistent routines
• offering extra adult guidance

Create a calming environment

Some children are sensitive to:

• bright lights
• loud noises
• busy spaces

Offer quiet areas, soft lighting and sensory toys to provide emotional support.