The story of the Foundling Hospital and the leaving of tokens offers a deeply meaningful way to support Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) in Early Years and PSHE for KS1.

It touches on themes of identity, belonging, empathy, and emotional literacy.

Making Relationships

Empathy & Understanding Others: Children learn that the tokens were left by parents who loved their children deeply, helping them understand emotions like love, loss, and hope.

Friendship & Community: Activities around tokens can foster discussion about what makes someone feel cared for and how we show love to others. How we feel we belong.

Self-Regulation

Naming Emotions: The story encourages children to identify and express feelings—both their own and those of others. (e.g., sadness, hope, love).

Coping with Separation: It gently introduces the idea of separation and how people stay connected through memories and symbols.

Calm Reflection: Creating tokens or sharing stories can be a soothing, reflective process that supports emotional regulation.

Sense of Self

Identity & Belonging: Children reflect on what makes them unique and what connects them to their families, friends, and communities.

Creating Personal Tokens: Making a token that represents themselves helps children explore their likes, values, and personal history.

Celebrating Differences: The story opens conversations about different family structures and life experiences in a respectful, inclusive way.

Communication & Language

Expressive Language: Children learn to articulate thoughts and feelings through storytelling, describing their tokens, and discussing the Foundling children’s experiences.

Listening & Responding: They practice listening to others’ stories and responding with kindness and curiosity.