Investing in employee well-being – Good practice spotlight
Employee wellbeing is no longer a “nice to have” in early years settings; it is essential to creating a positive, resilient and high-quality environment for both staff and children. At Abacus Day Nursery in Swansea, wellbeing is embedded into everyday practice through open communication, practical support, professional development and a strong commitment to mental health.
About Abacus Day Nursery
Abacus Day Nursery is situated in the Uplands area of Swansea and operates from a modified house, creating a homely and welcoming environment for children and families. The nursery offers bilingual provision in Welsh and English, cares for up to 43 children each day and employs a team of 18 staff.
The nursery implements Welsh Government initiatives including Flying Start, The Childcare Offer for Wales, and the Designed to Smile oral health promotion programme.
They have achieved a range of quality and wellbeing awards, including:
- The quality for All award
- Seal of Excellence for the quality of care offered
- And a five-star Environmental Health rating.
The nursery takes part in the NDNA Healthy body, Happy me campaign annually.
A wellbeing culture built on support
Abacus Day Nursery recognises that supporting staff wellbeing has a direct and lasting impact on the quality of care children receive. The nursery invests in staff health and wellbeing through practical initiatives such as weekly yoga classes with a qualified teacher, alongside opportunities for continuous professional development through endorsed courses and training. This commitment helps staff feel valued, supported and equipped to give children the best possible start. By prioritising the wellbeing of its team, the nursery creates a positive working environment where staff can thrive professionally and personally.
Promoting staff mental health and wellbeing
A key part of Abacus Day Nursery’s approach is making mental health and wellbeing part of everyday conversation. Staff meetings provide a space to discuss wellbeing topics, share information and encourage open dialogue. The nursery also highlights relevant awareness campaigns and resources, helping staff feel more confident to speak about mental health and access support when needed.
“We signpost staff to relevant services if required and highlight specific information and campaigns during meetings. This provides good conversation starters about different views and ideas on mental health issues.”
Signposting staff to the right support
Through its work with Healthy Working Wales, Abacus Day Nursery has strengthened its awareness of the wide range of local and national organisations that can support staff mental health and wellbeing. The nursery uses this knowledge to signpost team members to appropriate services, helping staff access relevant support at the right time. Policies and procedures also play an important role. By maintaining comprehensive policies on issues that may affect wellbeing, such as bullying and harassment, the nursery demonstrates a proactive approach to creating a safe, respectful and supportive workplace culture.
Putting Children and families at the heart of practice
Abacus Day Nursery’s wellbeing approach sits alongside its wider aims as an early years setting. The nursery is committed to providing a holistic, child-centred environment where children are encouraged to develop in a nurturing space. Its focus is on high-quality day care that supports the development, care and education of pre-school children in a safe and stimulating environment where they learn through play.
The setting also treats children as individuals and listens to the child’s voice, reflecting the principles of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child. Parents are supported too, with the nursery aiming to help families understand and meet the needs of their children.
A model for workplace wellbeing in the early years
Abacus Day Nursery shows how an early year’s setting can make employee wellbeing a genuine priority. By combining practical wellbeing activities, professional development, open conversations, clear policies and effective signposting, the nursery has created a culture where staff feel supported and valued.
NDNA Supporting well-being in the early years workforce – Online course
NDNA nurturing well-being and resilience for all staff – Online course
Promoting staff mental health and wellbeing
