Supporting staff well-being in early years ettings

Educating and caring for young children is one of the most rewarding jobs there is. However, it can also be challenging and tiring for practitioners in the sector. In the same way we show care and kindness to the children in our setting, we can take care of our staff and support their overall well-being in the workplace. See our top tips for taking care of the team.

  1. Competition can be healthy and fun: Events such as staff ‘bake-offs’ are a good way to nurture relationships in the workplace, as well as providing fun. Staff can bake at home or even involve the children and bake in the setting, pitting their cakes against that of their teammates
  2. Little gifts go a long way: Showing your team that you’re thinking of them doesn’t have to involve a grand gesture. Simply putting a box of mini-treats in the staff room, or a picture of a funny or uplifting quote on the wall can make people feel good
  3. Show you care: Early years practitioners are experts at ‘leaving home life at the door’ but this isn’t always easy. If you know a colleague is having a hard time, show them you care simply by making them a cuppa when they come in, or by checking in with them at lunchtime
  4. Random acts of kindness: It’s the little things that count. Make it your goal to do one random act of kindness for a team member each week. Look online for ideas on how to make your colleagues feel special
  5. Show gratitude: Everyone likes to feel appreciated and have their efforts recognised. Simply by saying thank you to your colleagues for the things that they do and bring to the team can make a really big difference to their well-being
  6. Celebrate and share success: Find ways to share any successes across the whole team, whether it be a great activity, a lovely display or a breakthrough in potty training a child. Congratulating one another is a good way to nurture team relationships, as well as having the added benefit of shared ideas
  7. Ask what you can do to help: Ask your team members if there’s anything you can support them with. It may be they are having difficulty with one of their job roles and you could help by freeing up some time for them.

NDNA products to support you

Back to myNDNA

Disclaimer: Activities with children must always be risk assessed, including for allergies or choking. Children must always have adequate supervision. Resources and materials must always be appropriate for children’s age and stage of development.

  • MyNDNA
  • Tips

Similar Articles

What makes me laugh? - Fun early years activity

Laughter helps children bond, express emotions, and build confidence. This fun activity encourages giggles through…
Read more

Defining your nursery’s unique selling point - marketing your nursery – part 2

In this series of blogs, National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) provides top tips on developing…
Read more