Webinar Recap: Bringing Back Your Nursery Team’s Sparkle (And Yours Too) – Part 1
This month, we were thrilled to host early years expert Jamie Victoria in our webinar, ‘Bringing Back Your Nursery Team’s Sparkle (And Yours Too)’. This webinar was inspired by the findings from our recent survey, “A Look Into Early Years Staff Wellbeing.” The results shed light on the significant challenges faced by nursery managers and practitioners, with 26% of managers and 38% of practitioners rating their mental health at 5 or below.
We wanted to offer practical strategies to tackle these challenges, uplift team morale, and promote a more positive work environment. That’s why we teamed up with Jamie, a truly inspirational early years expert, to share her insights and solutions in this empowering session.
The event brought together hundreds of nursery managers and leaders who actively participated and enjoyed the session. If you missed the live session, don’t worry—you can catch up here. For now, we’ve summarised Jamie’s key insights into three blog posts. This first part focuses on leadership, culture, and positivity. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore leadership styles in more detail.
Rediscovering the sparkle
Jamie, also known as The Childcare Guru, brought her energy and extensive experience to the session, sharing practical advice to help early years professionals rediscover their passion. She reminded us that while the work we do is incredibly impactful, the pressures of long hours, mounting responsibilities, and never-ending to-do lists can sometimes dull our enthusiasm.
Her central message was clear: your wellbeing matters. By taking small, meaningful steps, we can revive our positivity and better support our teams, ourselves, and the children in our care.
Why positivity matters
Jamie encouraged us to reconnect with why we chose this career: to nurture children and give them the best start in life. While the demands of the job are undeniable, focusing on the positive impact of our work can help rekindle that original passion.
She explained how small, consistent changes can create a ripple effect, making a big difference over time—both personally and within the nursery setting.
Leadership and culture: the heart of every setting
Jamie emphasised that strong leadership and a positive culture are at the core of a happy and successful childcare setting. These elements shape everything from staff morale to the experiences of the children.
When leadership promotes a supportive and respectful culture, the benefits ripple through the team. Staff feel valued and motivated, teamwork flourishes, and children benefit from carers who bring energy and enthusiasm to their roles. Conversely, a negative culture can drain energy, stifle communication, and hinder the overall atmosphere of the setting.
Jamie reassured us that creating a positive culture doesn’t require an overnight transformation. Small, consistent actions can gradually lead to significant improvements. Whether or not you hold a formal leadership role, there are always opportunities to lead by example—whether through guiding children, supporting colleagues, or spreading positivity in daily interactions.
The curriculum: a core component
A strong curriculum is the foundation of an effective nursery, sitting alongside leadership and culture as a key ingredient for success. Jamie explained that the curriculum isn’t just about lesson plans—it reflects your setting’s values, vision, and culture.
When leadership and the curriculum align, they support:
- Quality teaching and learning: Activities that enrich every child’s development.
- A nurturing environment: Clear routines and engaging spaces.
- Positive behaviour and attitudes: Children feel secure, valued, and confident to express themselves.
- Staff development: A purposeful curriculum inspires continuous learning for practitioners.
However, when leadership and the curriculum lack direction, challenges arise. Inconsistencies in routines, communication breakdowns, and disengaged children can be the result.
We teamed up with Jamie and another brilliant early years expert, Alison Featherbe, for a fantastic webinar on building a strong curriculum and culture. You can watch it here.
Breaking the cycle of negativity
Negativity is easy to fall into, but it can quickly become a habit that impacts not just your own mindset but also your team and the children in your care. Jamie highlighted the importance of recognising and breaking this cycle:
- Mood impact: Negativity rewires the brain, making it harder to shift towards positivity.
- Team morale: Negative energy can spread, demotivating others.
- Stifled growth: Innovation and progress are hindered by a negative outlook.
While it’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times, Jamie encouraged us to actively cultivate positivity by reframing challenges as opportunities.
Cultivating positivity and building confidence
Jamie shared some practical tips for creating a positive mindset:
- Small changes: Adjust how you think and react to challenges to rewire your brain for positivity gradually.
- Neuroplasticity: The brain can form new, positive connections through consistent effort.
- Supportive networks: Surround yourself with uplifting people and be mindful of the energy you bring to interactions.
Confidence plays a crucial role in maintaining positivity. Jamie reminded us to nurture confidence not only in ourselves but also in our colleagues:
- Recognise strengths: Celebrate individual talents within your team.
- Offer support: Help colleagues through challenges by considering their needs and learning styles.
- Build trust: Delegate tasks and show confidence in others’ abilities.
The power of collaboration
Every team is made up of individuals with unique strengths and learning styles. By valuing these differences, you can build a stronger, more cohesive team:
- Flexible communication: Adapt your methods to suit different preferences, such as using visuals or hands-on demonstrations.
- Mutual respect: Appreciate how diverse skills complement one another.
Key takeaways
- Monitor your mindset: Be aware of negative patterns and seek opportunities to reframe your thoughts.
- Encourage positivity: Lead by example and create an environment that uplifts others.
- Celebrate strengths: Focus on what you and your team do well while supporting areas for growth.
- Be adaptable: Acknowledge diverse learning styles to promote inclusivity and collaboration.
By focusing on leadership, culture, and positivity, we can create the conditions for a successful nursery where everyone—children and staff alike—feels supported and inspired. Don’t miss Part 2, where Jamie will continue to explore effective leadership styles and strategies.
Get 50% off your nursery software!*
Share this article
About the Author
Content Marketing Executive at Connect Childcare