Early Years Care Found Vital for Children’s Mental Health and Development

The first five years of a child’s life are often described as the most important. During this time, the brain develops faster than at any other stage, absorbing experiences that shape emotional, social and cognitive growth.

While nurseries and early years settings are usually associated with childcare and education, they also play a critical role in promoting mental health and wellbeing for both children and their families.

Creating Safe and Supportive Environments

For young children, a sense of safety and routine is essential. Nurseries provide consistent daily structures that help children feel secure. This predictability fosters trust and reduces anxiety in toddlers, allowing children to focus on exploring, learning and building relationships.

Early years staff often act as a child’s first trusted adults outside the home. Their ability to create a warm and inclusive environment contributes to the child’s emotional stability. Small actions such as greeting children by name, offering reassurance and modelling calm responses to stress can have a profound impact on a child’s wellbeing.

The Power of Play in Emotional Development

Play is far more than entertainment. It is the language of children and a vital tool for processing emotions. Through role play, creative arts and physical activity, children can express feelings they might not yet have the words to describe. A child acting out a story with dolls or building a safe space with blocks is learning to manage emotions, practise problem-solving and develop empathy.
Nurseries that prioritise play-based learning are not only supporting academic skills but also fostering character skills. When children experiment, make mistakes and try again in a supportive environment, they build confidence and adaptability, which are cornerstones of lifelong mental health.

Supporting Parents as Well as Children

Nurseries do not only benefit the children who attend. They also provide vital support to parents, many of whom juggle the challenges of work, financial pressures and the emotional demands of raising a family. Knowing that their child is in a safe and nurturing environment can relieve parental stress and anxiety.
Many nurseries also create opportunities for parents to connect, whether through informal conversations at drop-off and pick-up times or organised parent sessions. These networks can reduce feelings of isolation, offering parents a community of support during a demanding stage of life.

Professional Guidance and Early Intervention

Nursery practitioners are in a unique position to notice early signs of developmental or emotional difficulties. Because they spend significant time observing children in a social setting, they can identify behaviours that may indicate anxiety, communication challenges or other concerns.
Early identification is key to providing timely support. According to the Mental Health Foundation, 50% of mental health problems are established by the age of 14. Recognising issues early gives families the chance to seek professional help before difficulties become more entrenched. Many nurseries already work closely with health visitors, speech and language therapists and child psychologists, making them an important part of the wider support system.

Wellbeing in the Early Years Workforce

Supporting children’s mental health begins with supporting the adults who care for them. The wellbeing of nursery staff is critical, as children are highly sensitive to the emotional states of those around them. Staff who feel valued, supported and emotionally secure are better equipped to provide nurturing care.
Forward-thinking nurseries are beginning to invest in staff wellbeing initiatives, such as reflective supervision, mental health training and creating environments where practitioners feel comfortable discussing their own challenges. This not only benefits employees but also enhances the quality of care children receive.

Building Brighter Futures Together

When early years settings prioritise mental health, they are investing in more than just childcare. They are laying the foundations for resilience, empathy and lifelong wellbeing. For children, this means entering school with greater confidence and emotional stability. For parents, it offers reassurance that their child is in an environment that nurtures the whole person, not just academic skills.
The early years matter, not only because of the rapid pace of development but also because they set the tone for how a child experiences the world. Nurseries and other early years settings have the opportunity to shape these experiences positively, building brighter futures for children, families and communities.