Introduction

Social development in this age group is shown by the growth of a child’s interactions and relationships with others and the development of social skills.

A child between the ages of 2 and 5 generally feels more secure than when they were an infant and becomes more able to separate from parents or carers for an increasing length of time. Most are ready for nursery or preschool groups by 2 ½ to 3 and children who are looked after by a parent or childminder will still benefit from the wider opportunities that come from mixing with other children and adults.

All children are different and some enjoy social encounters with others more than other children. Similarly every child’s social environment will vary. For example, some children live in extended families with rich experiences of social relationships, others in smaller family units.

Within this section the topics of prosocial development, moral development, gender awareness, the importance of interaction with peers and play development will be looked at.