The last few years have been especially hard on our sector, but it would be irresponsible not to acknowledge the long-term challenges that continue to underlie the landscape of our sector. A global pandemic and ongoing economic, political, and cultural uncertainty speaks to the urgent need to change how we work and demand a greater priority on adult wellbeing as a prerequisite for children’s wellbeing.

I am dedicated to leading a new agenda to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the early years workforce. Going to work should be good for us, yet sadly, we often find issues at work negatively influencing our wellbeing and posing a risk to our mental health.
Whilst mental health awareness is increasing, too many people are still becoming unwell. Stigma and discrimination toward mental ill-health still exist. For far too long, the early education sector has been ill-equipped and unprepared when it comes to dealing with and understanding mental health.

Mental Health literacy is everyone’s business. I believe that it should be of enormous importance to us all – for ourselves, our children and our whole community so that we can all thrive.

Many of us will have never received any formal training or professional development relating to the wellbeing of early years educators. Times are changing, and you are part of that change. My book, A Guide To Mental Health For Early Years Educators, amplifies the voices of educators to highlight the true meaning of wellbeing. One that incorporates inclusion and belonging, cultivating a deep culture of wellbeing.

If you would like to work with me, I deliver keynote speaking, a range of training specialising in adult and children’s mental health and workplace wellbeing support for line managers and their teams. Get in touch, and together we can create change, increase mental health literacy in early years education and make wellbeing heart centric to your pedagogy and practice.