Insights on Early Years Staff Wellbeing from Connect Childcare
Here at Connect Childcare, we’ve always believed that the wellbeing of early years staff is at the heart of a happy, productive nursery environment. That’s why we’ve just released an in-depth report titled “A Look into Early Years Staff Wellbeing.” It shines a light on how professionals in this essential sector are really feeling about their mental health, job satisfaction, and the support they receive—or often don’t receive—in the workplace.
The report, which surveyed 287 early years professionals from the 30th of September to 18th of October 2024, explores key challenges and offers practical recommendations for a healthier work environment. Let’s dive into some of the findings and our thoughts on how we can work together to support these vital members of our community.
The reality of mental wellbeing in early years
When we asked early years professionals to rate their mental wellbeing, a concerning trend emerged. A full 33% rated their wellbeing below 5 out of 10, and while the average rating hovered around 7, many professionals said they only feel “moderately supported.”
This data highlights the need for increased support to combat burnout and reduce staff turnover, especially when so many staff members feel stretched and under pressure.
Job satisfaction despite the strain
Interestingly, despite these pressures, 77.8% of respondents rated their job satisfaction as 6 or higher. This speaks volumes about the passion early years practitioners have for their roles, even when faced with challenges. However, high job satisfaction doesn’t mean their wellbeing can be ignored—if anything, it’s more reason to provide support so they can keep thriving in roles they love.
Major wellbeing challenges: paperwork, inspections, and more
Many participants pointed to administrative overload when asked about factors affecting their wellbeing. Excessive paperwork and frequent inspections were named as primary stressors, pulling time away from direct interaction with children—a part of the job most practitioners find rewarding.
Add to this the financial pressures and staffing shortages many nurseries face, and it’s no wonder stress levels are high. These issues highlight the importance of streamlined processes to help alleviate stress and create a happier work environment.
Mental health and job performance
Our findings show that 80% of early years professionals feel that their mental health directly affects their job performance. Yet, almost half (49.1%) of participants reported that their workplace lacks sufficient mental health support. This points to a crucial gap—there’s a real need for regular check-ins, wellbeing days, and open discussions about mental health in early years settings.
The role of technology in reducing stress
Another insight? Nearly 80% of respondents aren’t using nursery management software, which could be a game-changer for reducing admin pressures. At Connect Childcare, we know that technology can ease workloads and make it easier for practitioners to focus on what matters most—caring for children.
Practical steps for a brighter future in early years
In response to the findings, we recommend a few practical changes that could make a big difference in staff wellbeing:
- Streamline paperwork: by reducing the time spent on admin tasks, staff can spend more time with the children, where they make the most impact.
- Increase mental health support: training for managers and accessible support resources are crucial steps in creating a healthier work environment.
- Encourage open communication: creating a culture that encourages open mental health conversations helps break down stigma.
- Embrace technology: nursery management software can help lighten the load, freeing up time for more rewarding parts of the job.
Join our webinar to boost team wellbeing
To help nursery managers create positive environments, we’re hosting a free webinar, “Bringing Back Your Nursery Team’s Sparkle (And Yours Too)” with early years expert Jamie Victoria. This session will provide practical strategies for nurturing staff wellbeing—don’t miss out!
Download the full report
Our full report, “A Look into Early Years Staff Wellbeing,” is available to download here. We hope it sparks important conversations and drives positive change across the sector.
Special offer: save £700 on nursery management software!
Understanding the impact that excessive admin has on mental health, we’re offering a £700 discount on our nursery management software! Just book a demo with us and use the code WB700 to claim this special offer.
Let’s work together to make sure our early years staff are as happy and supported as they deserve to be, so they can keep making a difference every day. For more details, feel free to reach out to us at marketing@connectchildcare.com.
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About the Author
Content Marketing Executive at Connect Childcare