We are committed to prioritising social and emotional development throughout childhood.
At The Social and Emotional Learning Foundation (The SELF), we are a team of practitioners specialising in early relational, social and emotional development. Our shared purpose is simple and foundational:
To ensure every child experiences the safe, nurturing relationships that allow social and emotional development to flourish.We know that when adults show up with attunement, presence and emotional availability, children build the foundations for lifelong wellbeing, resilience and connection.
Our beliefs:
- Everyday moments are the true moments of significance.
- Every child should have access to safe relational learning.
- Connection leads to cooperation, learning and development.
- Everyday interactions are powerful catalysts for learning, regulation and growth.
- Social and emotional development emerges within relationships grounded in attunement, co‑regulation and trust.
Our Story
The SELF was founded on a well‑established truth in developmental science: when children develop strong social and emotional foundations in their early years, they are better resourced for a stable, resilient, fulfilling and content life.
Despite this, Australia continues to experience some of the highest rates of adverse mental health outcomes in the western world. AEDC data highlights a concerning trend—many children are entering school without the social and emotional capabilities required for successful learning and participation.
A substantial body of research demonstrates that strong relational foundations in the early years support healthier mental health outcomes, emotional intelligence and lifelong relational and emotional health. Yet our systems often prioritise academic achievement over social and emotional development, leaving children without the relational skills and scaffolding they need to thrive.
Our work seeks to shift this trajectory.
We aim to elevate social and emotional development by promoting accessible, evidence‑informed, relationship‑based approaches that strengthen practice across early childhood sectors, maternal and child health, family support and allied health, through clear, practical approaches that fit naturally into everyday relational moments with children.
Our Experience
Our team are advocates for early relational development and capacity building and look for opportunities to promote and live this each and every day.
We integrate research from attachment theory, neuroscience and evidence‑informed frameworks to strengthen practice among allied health, health, education and family support professionals.
We work alongside these professionals — as well as parents and caregivers — to deepen connection, support co‑regulation and cultivate the relational experiences children need for healthy development.
At the heart of our work is a guiding principle supported by decades of research: relationships are the most powerful driver of human development.
The team have specialist skills in:
- Marte Meo International
- Group Theraplay
- Circle of Security
Our certifications include:
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate qualifications in Nursing, Infant, Child and Family Health.
- Accreditation with Marte Meo International – Practitioner, Therapist, Colleague, Supervisor in training.
- Accreditation with the Theraplay Institute.
- Accreditation with Circle of Security International.
Experiences that have influenced our teams approach include:
- Frontline work in the child youth and families sector supporting vulnerable families.
- Frontline mental health and perinatal nursing.
- Intensive dyadic work with parents of pre-school aged children, supporting attachment, enhancing connection and promoting development through a secure base relationship.
- Consultation and training to the early childhood sector.
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