Emotional health and wellbeing in early years settings
Early Years Settings can support the development of positive emotional health and well being
The importance of good emotional health and wellbeing in the early years of a child's life is crucial to support children to develop a positive sense of themselves and others. This involves the ability to form positive relationships, have confidence and resilience and to develop the necessary coping skills needed later in life.
You can support by:
- encouraging children to learn to manage their emotions, build good relationships, develop resilience, independence and skills for the future
- training staff to provide key messages about positive emotional health and wellbeing for children and their families
- promoting and support staff wellbeing
- engaging and working with external partner and agencies
These resources and information will support you in raising awareness of the benefits of good emotional health and wellbeing with parents and families and support children to become resilient and independent.
Training and resources
Training
My Happy Mind Training (£599)
MyHappymind for Early years is delivered via a learning portal. When you subscribe, you'll get instant access to all of the online resources which include, lesson guides, animated stories, parent packs and lots of activities and resources. You will also be sent a box of goodies with physical story books and other goodies to bring the program to life.
My happy mind: early years course
MindEd Training (free)
Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years has worked with MindEd to identify a series of free e-learning sessions designed specifically to help develop understanding of child mental health and to provide tips and advice on how to support mental health and wellbeing in the early years.
County Durham and Darlington Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
Training is aimed at any professionals who work with children and young people within County Durham and Darlington. The training sessions that we deliver will enhance your awareness of the chosen topic, and help you explore and identify mental health concerns that may present within children and young people.
Access the training portfolio at County Durham and Darlington Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service training.
Resources
- Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
- Enhancing Opportunities for Toddlers’ Wellbeing
- Pacey: Early years emotional health
- Save the Children: lighting up young brains - how parents, carers and nurseries support children’s brain development in the first five years
- NICE: Early years - promoting health and wellbeing in under 5s
- Young Minds: Supporting infant mental health (babies and under 5s)
- Croner-i: Supporting emotional wellbeing in the early years
- Gov.uk: Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework
- Mental health and emotional support for children, young people and families in County Durham (PDF, 177 KB)
- Start for life - supporting you and your child from pregnancy up to age 2
- Gov.uk: the best start for life: a vision for the 1,001 critical days
- Department of Health and Social Care: Better Health Start for Life Home Learning Environment 2025
County Durham Children and Young People's Emotional Wellbeing locality networks
Locality networks coordinated by Chris Affleck from Investing in Children. For more information contact chris.affleck@investinginchildren.net or telephone 0191 307 7030
- Email eywfd@durham.gov.uk
- Telephone 03000 268 917