The Shaping Us Framework describes social and emotional skills in a clear way which can inform and inspire action across society.

The framework has been designed to help give social and emotional skills the greater priority they deserve and to encourage organisations across the UK to use it in their work, to support The Princess of Wales’ mission of creating a happier, healthier society.

The framework aims to provide an accessible approach to talking about social and emotional skills and to develop consensus on the universally relevant skills and capabilities that matter most throughout our lives and across diverse socioeconomic and cultural contexts. 

Know Ourselves

These skills enable us to work out who we are in relation to ourselves, to other people and to the world around us. It involves knowing simple things such as what music we prefer, to being aware of how we respond in certain situations or what we feel is important in life. This knowledge can help build a picture of the life we want to have and how to get there. 

Manage our Emotions

These skills mean we can deal with how we feel as we go through life, especially when facing situations that can cause emotions to run high. We might know that, for us as an individual, having trouble concentrating, feeling like our heart is pounding in our chest, or feeling physically sick might mean we are feeling very worried. Beyond that, we know what helps us as individuals – maybe taking a short walk or spending time with friends – to cope with these feelings.

Focus our Thoughts 

These skills support us to manage day-to-day life and the variety and range of tasks we need to navigate. This includes tasks we engage in a lot of the time, such as weekly food shopping. This might involve focussing on what meals we want to cook so we can write a shopping list, deciding what to buy, choosing an alternative if what you want has sold out – and stopping yourself from buying only ice cream. It also includes much more complex tasks such as taking exams, managing a large work project, moving home, or coping with the practical aspects of a loved one’s death.

Communicate with Others

These skills provide a foundation for many other social and emotional skills by allowing us to understand what others share with us – a friend messaging information about where to meet up, a partner sharing their feelings about a great day, a singer expressing heartbreak through their music – as well as being able to share ourselves with the world. This means expressing who we are in many different ways to effectively share what we know, how we are feeling, and what we are thinking with the people around us.

Nurture our Relationships

These skills enable us to get along with people in lots of different situations: the person standing next to you waiting for the bus, or the healthcare receptionist, the people you see regularly such as school friends or work colleagues, or the family and close friends that you have a deep connection with. The skills include helping us to make and maintain positive connections with others, even when we might disagree.

Explore the World 

These skills help us to seek out and connect with the world around us. They are the skills that mean we notice the people, places and things around us, that make us want to ask questions and learn about the way things are, and that lead us to seeking out new experiences such as exploring new places or taking on a new challenge. With these skills we can take in the everyday wonders of our world – from the beauty of sunrise to a baby’s giggle.

If you would like to find out more information please visit

the Centre for Early Childhood