The Department for Education (DfE) has recently updated its guidance on help for early years providers and the important of early years practitioners wellbeing.
The importance of early years practitioner wellbeing
The early years workforce makes a huge contribution to young children’s lives, and a role in early years can be enjoyable and rewarding. However, it can also be a challenging and demanding career. As in any workplace, this can take a toll on an individual’s mental health and wellbeing.
It is therefore essential that early years practitioners are correctly supported within their setting to feel happy and fulfilled both inside and outside of work.
Improving practitioner wellbeing practice can benefit both the individual practitioner, and the setting as a whole. This creates a positive environment for practitioners and children, which in turn can:
- reduce absence
- increase effectiveness at work
- improve practitioner retention
Better practitioner wellbeing is also a factor in children’s personal, social and emotional development. Correctly managing practitioner wellbeing can help develop stronger relationships with children and support their emotional regulation. This is particularly important if you work with children who have their own emotional difficulties.
Support for early years practitioners
If you are struggling with your mental health or wellbeing, you may wish to discuss your concerns with your line manager or another colleague within your setting. If you prefer support from someone outside of your workplace, the following may be helpful.
The Every Mind Matters self-care tool creates a personalised mental health action plan, with tips and advice to help you be kind to your mind. They provide a source of expert advice to help you and your staff look after your mental health. This includes practical tips that you can build into your daily routine.
Education Support offers a free emotional support helpline for everyone working in education, including early years. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you will speak to a qualified counsellor. You can contact them via phone, text, online live chat or email. There guide to the building blocks of good mental wellbeing includes advice on exercise, eating well and developing good sleep habits.
The Hub of Hope is a mental health support directory provided by Chasing the Stigma which signposts to local, regional and national services offering support on a wide range of topics including bereavement, anxiety and loneliness.
