Early education news, events and more
The video explores how children learn to understand themselves, manage emotions, communicate effectively and build healthy relationships across the classroom, playground and wider community.
Available through the NSW Curriculum website, the spotlight forms part of the broader rollout and implementation support for the updated PDHPE K–6 Syllabus (2024).
The new syllabus is scheduled for implementation from 2027, with 2026 serving as a planning and preparation year for schools.
A stronger focus on social and emotional capability
The updated PDHPE syllabus places strong emphasis on the development of social, emotional and interpersonal capabilities, recognising their importance in supporting wellbeing, learning, resilience and respectful relationships.
The syllabus is structured around four focus areas:
Within the self-management and interpersonal skills focus area, students progressively build skills including:
For early childhood educators and primary teachers, the spotlight reinforces the importance of the social and emotional foundations children begin developing well before formal schooling.
These capabilities underpin children’s ability to participate in learning, navigate relationships, regulate behaviour, solve problems and engage positively with peers and adults.
Building skills across K–6
The spotlight video provides practical insight into how self-management and interpersonal skills are intentionally embedded across learning experiences from Kindergarten through to Year 6.
It includes:
The NSW Curriculum website notes that students begin by identifying and demonstrating self-management and interpersonal skills in Early Stage 1, before progressively applying these skills more independently and across increasingly complex situations throughout primary school.
The syllabus rationale also highlights that PDHPE learning experiences are designed to help students build:
Relevance for early childhood and transition to school
While the syllabus is designed for K–6 education, the spotlight has clear relevance for the early childhood sector, particularly in relation to transition to school and continuity of learning.
The emphasis on emotional regulation, communication, resilience and relationship-building closely aligns with the capabilities nurtured through play-based learning, responsive relationships and everyday routines within early childhood settings.
For educators, the spotlight reinforces the importance of intentional teaching approaches that support children’s social and emotional development alongside academic learning.
Educators can watch the K–6 PDHPE syllabus spotlight: Self-management and interpersonal skills video here.
Further information about the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K–6 Syllabus (2024) is available through the NSW Curriculum website.
As anticipation builds for The Sector’s ECEC Workforce and Wellbeing Forum 2026 in Melbourne, the closing fireside conversation with Professor Cathrine Neilsen-Hewett is set to be one of the day’s most anticipated sessions.
This article contains detailed information about the death of a child and the findings of a coronial inquest. Reader discretion is advised. Support services are listed at the end of this article.
The NSW Early Learning Commission and the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) have joined forces in a nation-leading compliance operation focused on child safety across the early childhood education and care sector.
The 2026 Census is less than 100 days away, with Census night to be held on Tuesday 11 August 2026.
A national Goodies Award in 2025, recognising extraordinary community impact. Every Goodstart centre has people who make a difference. But once in a while, there’s someone whose impact is felt in every hello at the door, every carefully prepared meal, and every child who feels seen and valued.
As anticipation builds for The Sector’s ECEC Workforce and Wellbeing Forum 2026 in Melbourne, the closing fireside conversation with Professor Cathrine Neilsen-Hewett is set to be one of the day’s most anticipated sessions.
This article contains detailed information about the death of a child and the findings of a coronial inquest. Reader discretion is advised. Support services are listed at the end of this article.
The NSW Early Learning Commission and the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) have joined forces in a nation-leading compliance operation focused on child safety across the early childhood education and care sector.
The 2026 Census is less than 100 days away, with Census night to be held on Tuesday 11 August 2026.
A national Goodies Award in 2025, recognising extraordinary community impact. Every Goodstart centre has people who make a difference. But once in a while, there’s someone whose impact is felt in every hello at the door, every carefully prepared meal, and every child who feels seen and valued.