Why Staff Wellbeing Shapes Child Wellbeing in Early Years

Why Staff Wellbeing Shapes Child Wellbeing in Early Years

In this guest blog, we’re thrilled to welcome Tessa Hawes, founder of MiniMe Mindfulness®, who shares practical insights and simple, mindful strategies that can help early years professionals feel grounded, supported and energised so they can bring their best selves to the children in their care.

When we talk about wellbeing in nurseries, it’s easy to think first of the children – helping them feel safe, settled, and seen.
But here’s the truth: the wellbeing of your staff is the foundation of every child’s experience.

Children are expert observers. They don’t just hear what adults say, they feel how adults are.

When a practitioner is calm, regulated, and emotionally present, children’s brains mirror that state. Neuroscience calls this co-regulation – a vital process in early development that literally helps shape the architecture of a child’s brain.

The Ripple Effect of Staff Wellbeing

Research continues to show that emotionally attuned adults help children manage stress, develop empathy, and build confidence.
Conversely, high staff stress levels can unintentionally create tension in the room, affecting both learning and relationships.

According to the Early Years Alliance (2024), 74% of early years professionals report above-average stress levels, and almost half have considered leaving the sector due to burnout. That’s not just a workforce issue, it’s a child development one!

When practitioners have access to tools that support their own wellbeing – moments to pause, breathe, reflect, and reset – everyone benefits. Staff feel valued and supported, children feel secure and calm, and settings thrive.

Wellbeing in Action: Small Shifts, Big Impact

You don’t need extra hours in the day to nurture wellbeing.

Here are three simple, science-backed practices that can make a lasting difference:

1. Pause Before You Respond
Take a single slow breath before reacting to a challenging moment. It calms your nervous system and models emotional regulation for children.

2. Use Positive Language
Swap “Don’t shout” for “Let’s use calm voices.” Positive phrasing lowers stress hormones, helping both adults and children feel more in control.

3. Connect, Then Correct
A gentle touch on the shoulder or a shared smile can restore connection before correction. Regulation always comes before expectation.

These micro-moments don’t just make your day run smoother, they build emotional literacy, trust, and resilience in every child you support.

When staff are supported to look after their own wellbeing, they’re empowered to model those same skills for the children in their care.
“Because little eyes are always watching and you can’t pour from an empty cup.™” MiniMe Mindfulness®

Want to find out more?

If you’d like to find out more about how MiniMe Mindfulness® can support your setting, visit https://minimemindfulness.co.uk/.

Together, we can nurture calmer settings, confident children, and a stronger early years workforce.