The Princess of Wales stepped out in east London this morning as she continues to highlight the importance of the early years. Kate visited the University of East London as it was announced that her Foundation Centre for Early Childhood is today launching a social and emotional development guide for people working with young children. The Princess wore her beige Roland Mouret suit for the occasion and accessorized with her necklace bearing the initials of her three children.
“While our society often focuses on academic or physical milestones, research consistently shows that it is our earliest relationships, experiences and environments which lay the foundations for our future health and happiness,” Kate wrote in a foreword for the guide, which is called Foundations for Life: A Guide to Social and Emotional Development. “The quality of our connections – with ourselves, with others and with the world around us – shapes how safe we feel, how we relate, and how we process experiences throughout our lives.”
The Princess arrived at the University’s Stratford campus at lunchtime today. She met with families and young children as well as early years educators from across the UK.
“By ensuring the next generation of the early years workforce enters practice with a strong understanding of social and emotional development, there is a real opportunity to place this knowledge on an equal footing with physical and cognitive development,” Kensington Palace said. “In the months ahead, the Centre will work closely with leaders across the early years system to embed this essential understanding into entry‐level training and ongoing professional development, helping to create the conditions in which love can flourish, and children can thrive.”
Kensington Palace also announced today that the Princess would be carrying out her first official overseas visit since returning to work following her cancer diagnosis. She will travel to the Italian city of Reggio Emilia next Wednesday and Thursday. The city is renowned for its approach to early years education.
