Connect Childcare, a leader in nursery management software has released an insightful report titled “A Look into Early Years Staff Wellbeing.”

This comprehensive study explores the mental health, job satisfaction, and support needs of early years professionals, addressing a critical gap since the last major sector study in 2022. Conducted between September 30 and October 18, 2024, the survey gathered responses from 287 participants, providing a current overview of wellbeing in early years settings.

Key Findings and Sector Insights

The report reveals several challenges that early years professionals face in terms of wellbeing:

• Mental Wellbeing Concerns
  A concerning 33% of respondents (1 in 3) rated their mental wellbeing below 5 out of 10, indicating significant challenges. While the average rating was 7, a substantial 34.2% reported scores between 4 and 6, suggesting that many feel only moderately supported. These findings raise alarms about burnout and staff turnover, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced support in the sector.
• Job Satisfaction Amid Challenges
  Despite the pressures, 77.8% of respondents rated their job satisfaction as 6 or higher, reflecting a sense of fulfilment in their roles. However, this does not diminish the need for improved wellbeing resources, particularly for Early Years Practitioners, to help them feel happier in their roles.
• Primary Factors Affecting Wellbeing
  The report identifies excessive paperwork and regulatory inspections as primary stressors that detract from essential child interactions, leading to frustration among staff. Streamlining these processes is crucial for enhancing support. Financial concerns and staffing shortages further exacerbate these issues, increasing stress levels and diminishing job satisfaction.
• Impact on Job Performance
  Mental health significantly influences job performance, with 80% of respondents acknowledging this impact. Addressing mental health challenges is essential for enabling staff to deliver high-quality care.
• Gaps in Workplace Support
  Alarmingly, nearly half (49.1%) of respondents believe their workplaces lack adequate mental health support, with an average rating of just 3.4 out of 5. Increasing mental health awareness and implementing regular check-ins or wellbeing days could create a more supportive environment.
• Comfort in Discussing Mental Health
  Respondents reported mixed comfort levels when discussing mental health at work, with an average score of just 3.2. Building open dialogue and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health is vital for cultivating a supportive workplace culture.
• Leveraging Technology for Wellbeing
  The survey revealed that 78.4% of respondents are not utilising nursery management software, which could alleviate administrative burdens. This presents a valuable opportunity for early years settings to explore how technology can enhance job satisfaction and wellbeing.
• Discrepancies in Job Roles and Perspectives
  Early Years Practitioners (EYPs) reported lower mental health ratings, with 43% scoring below 5 out of 10, compared to 27% of Nursery Managers. EYPs also reported a higher incidence of taking time off for mental health concerns (38.1%) versus Nursery Managers (23.6%). This data indicates an urgent need for targeted mental health support for EYPs.
  
  
  Practical Recommendations by Connect Childcare
  To address these findings, Connect Childcare recommends the following:
  
  ● Reduce Paperwork: Simplify administrative tasks to allow staff to focus on their primary responsibilities.
  ● Increase Workplace Support: Enhance mental health training for both managers and staff, ensuring support resources are readily accessible.
  ● Encourage Open Communication: Cultivate a workplace culture that normalises discussions about mental health.
  ● Embrace Technology: Consider adopting nursery management software to alleviate administrative pressures and support staff wellbeing.
  
  
  Sector Leaders Respond
  
  Chris Reid, chief executive of Connect Childcare, stated:
  
  “The report highlights that while many early years professionals find fulfilment in their roles, a significant number also face mental health challenges that need to be addressed. High job satisfaction ratings reflect their dedication, but proper support is essential for them to thrive. Establishing a robust support system within the sector is crucial, as the wellbeing of our staff directly impacts their health and the quality of care provided to children.
  
  “At Connect Childcare, we are committed to providing software solutions that reduce administrative burdens and enhance workplace wellbeing. By streamlining paperwork with our management software, early years professionals can focus on what they do best: nurturing and educating young minds. Moving forward, it’s vital to create a supportive environment where staff feel comfortable discussing their mental health and accessing necessary resources. Together, we can develop a happier sector that benefits both educators and the children in our care.”
  
  Purnima Tanuku OBE, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), added: “The results of this survey by Connect demonstrate that although the majority of staff are resilient and positive, there is a worryingly large number of practitioners who are struggling.
  “Many aspects of their job are impacting on their mental wellbeing and happiness. Although we know that this is a rewarding job, it’s also tough with long hours often turning into overtime.
  “NDNA has called for early years professionals to be recognised as dedicated educators and teachers, not babysitters. Society is now starting to understand the importance of a child’s first five years and we have campaigned hard to get this message across to decision-makers and the general public.
  “The sector’s professional status must be on a par with school teachers, with the wages to match. This is why we have launched the Institute of Early Years Education to support professionals in the sector and to enhance their status, with better access to CPD as part of a professional community.
  “Unfortunately although nurseries would love to reward their staff to the extent they deserve, they are caught within tight budgets, with delivery costs often higher than funding rates they receive. Low pay has become more of an issue in recent years as the cost of living has been much higher and job satisfaction has been outweighed by family financial anxieties.
  “We know from our research that practitioners’ mental wellbeing can be impacted by inspections. We have been calling for regulatory frameworks to be fit for purpose and proportionate, not damaging and demoralising.
  “We know that nursery workers tend to be much-loved by the children they care for and their parents. We hope that this special relationship along with a shift change within society will really help towards early years practitioners being happy, healthy and fulfilled.”
  
  Webinar Invitation for Nursery Managers
  
  To support nursery managers in promoting positive work environments, Connect Childcare is hosting a free webinar titled “Bringing Back Your Nursery Team’s Sparkle (And Yours Too),” featuring early years expert Jamie Victoria. Join us to explore effective strategies for enhancing team wellbeing.
  
  The full report, “A Look into Early Years Staff Wellbeing,” is available for download here https://bit.ly/3zCKvco