From birth, most babies are able to communicate what they want and need through a range of behaviours including crying. In the early stages of life these behaviours ensure that babies get their most basic needs met (food sleep, warmth etc.). However, failure to meet these needs will result in a distressed baby unable to focus on anything apart from having these needs met. Maslow describes these biological and physiological needs as being fundamental for the growth of other areas of development. Once these basic needs are met children seek to proceed to the next level of need with the intention of having these needs met and to then be able to move up the hierarchy. 

As practitioners, we must support children’s PSED through ensuring that their hierarchy of needs are met to enable children to be ready to play and learn.