How Fennies Nurseries Nurture Early Friendships To Boost Social And Emotional Development

Friendships in early childhood are the building blocks for a happy, confident and socially capable future.

At Fennies Nurseries, we understand that the relationships children form in their first five years have a profound influence on their emotional wellbeing, empathy and social skills. We’re celebrating the joy and benefits of early friendships and sharing how our nurseries create opportunities for children to connect and care for one another every single day.

Why Early Friendships Matter In The First Five Years

The bonds children form in their Early Years are more than just playtime companions, they’re the foundation for key life skills like:

• Sharing and turn-taking.
• Understanding others’ feelings.
• Building resilience in new situations.
• Communicating clearly and kindly.

As Danielle, Regional Manager at Fennies Nurseries, explains:

“Friendships support emotional development, cooperation and resilience. Children learn through play and connection, and those early bonds are the foundation for lifelong social success.”

Research shows that positive social experiences in the Early Years also strengthen language development, problem-solving skills and emotional regulation, helping children thrive as they move into school and beyond.

How Fennies Helps Children Build Strong Friendships

Every aspect of our nursery environment is purposefully designed to encourage interaction and relationship-building. From the moment a child joins, they are welcomed into a key person system that provides security and trust, while our daily routine offers multiple ways to connect with others.

Our nurseries offer:

• Small group activities for teamwork and confidence-building.
• Free-flow indoor and outdoor play that encourages spontaneous friendships.
• Collaborative learning experiences such as block building, role play, and storytelling circles.

Find your local nursery and see the friendships in action: View all Fennies Nurseries here

Learning Social Skills Through The EYFS Framework

Fennies’ approach is rooted in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with a strong focus on personal, social and emotional development. Our educators:

• Model positive communication and respectful behaviour.
• Encourage children to work together to solve problems.
• Support conflict resolution in a calm, age-appropriate way.
  

This consistent, gentle guidance helps children learn how to make friends, keep friends and treat friends with kindness.

Celebrating Diversity And Inclusion In Friendships

Friendship at Fennies means valuing and respecting everyone’s uniqueness. Through empathy-based role play, circle time discussions and celebrations of different cultures, our children learn that friendship extends beyond shared interests, it’s about understanding and acceptance.

A Supportive Community For Children, Families And Educators

We believe strong relationships between educators, families and children create the perfect environment for friendships to grow. That’s why we prioritise staff wellbeing, professional development and regular community events like Stay & Play sessions and Parent Hubs. This approach helps us maintain a warm, welcoming atmosphere where every child can feel confident and connected.

How Do Friendships Support A Child’s Emotional Development?

Early friendships play a vital role in emotional growth. When children form close bonds, they develop:

• Empathy: Learning to recognise and respond to how others feel.
• Resilience: Building the confidence to try again when things don’t go their way.
• Self-Regulation: Managing big emotions through support from friends.
• A Sense Of Belonging: Feeling secure as part of a group.
  
  

These experiences give children the confidence to engage with the world, preparing them not only for school but for all of life’s challenges.

How Can Nurseries Encourage Children To Make Friends?

At Fennies, we know that some children make friends easily, while others may need a little extra encouragement. Our educators use research-led strategies to make social development feel natural and enjoyable:

• Circle time activities where children share ideas and learn to listen to one another.
• Partnership play (like building towers or cooking in the role-play kitchen) which encourages teamwork.
• Storytelling and imaginative play that lets children take on roles and explore different perspectives.
• Positive role modelling from educators, showing children what kindness and respect look like.

Through these experiences, children learn how to start conversations, build trust and maintain lasting friendships. Looking for more tips to support your child’s friendships at home? 

Read Our Guide: Help Your Child Make Friends

What Role Do Parents Play In Helping Children Build Friendships?

Parents are a child’s first role models when it comes to relationships. By showing positive interactions at home, like taking turns in conversation or offering help, you give your child the tools they need to build friendships of their own.

At Fennies, we work in close partnership with families, offering:

• Parent Hubs with expert-led sessions on social development.
• Stay & Play events to let families meet and connect.
• Regular updates via our parent app, so you can see your child’s social milestones in real-time.
  
  

This strong home–nursery partnership ensures your child feels supported in every stage of their friendship journey.

How Do Friendships Prepare Children For School?

Children who learn to form and maintain friendships in nursery are better equipped for the transition to school. By the time they leave Fennies, children have developed:

• Confidence In Group Settings: Ready for classrooms of 20+ peers.
• Independence: Being able to share, take turns, and solve problems without constant adult help.
• Communication Skills: Expressing their needs and listening to others effectively.
• Collaboration Skills: Working together on projects, from block towers to science experiments.
  
  

Our school readiness programme ensures these skills are deeply embedded, so your child moves on feeling happy and excited for their next step.

The Long-Term Benefits Of Early Friendships

The friendships your child makes in nursery may not last forever, but the skills they develop will. Research shows that children who form positive peer relationships in the Early Years are more likely to:

• Experience greater wellbeing and self-esteem.
• Show higher levels of empathy in later life.
• Build resilient, supportive social networks as they grow.
• Perform better academically due to improved communication and teamwork skills.

FAQs About Friendships In The Early Years

When Do Children Usually Start Making Friends?

Most children begin forming simple friendships between the ages of 2 and 3, as they develop the social and language skills needed to play alongside others.

What If My Child Struggles To Make Friends?

It’s completely normal for some children to take longer. At Fennies, our educators gently encourage social connections through small group play, role modelling and plenty of positive reinforcement.

How Can I Encourage My Child To Build Friendships Outside Nursery?

Arrange playdates, attend community events or simply encourage shared activities like playground trips, all of which give your child opportunities to practise their social skills.

Discover Friendship At Fennies

At Fennies, we believe that friendship is at the heart of learning. By creating safe and inclusive environments, we give children the best possible start in life, one that’s full of laughter and connection.

Ready to see how Fennies nurtures your child’s social and emotional development?

Book a tour today and experience the difference for yourself.