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Laura Hodges, early years expert at training firm Realise and leadership coach and early years consultant at provider services company HQ Early Years, explains why manager wellbeing matters

Being a nursery manager is a special job. Every day, you help shape young children’s futures and support your team to do their best. You guide, plan, solve problems and make sure your setting is a happy and safe place to be. But while you spend so much time looking after others I often ask the question, who is looking after you?
Many nursery managers put their whole heart into their job. They care deeply about their team and the children. But in smaller settings especially, where there may be little extra help or support, it can sometimes feel lonely at the top. You might be the one everyone turns to, but feel like there’s no one to turn to yourself.
Some managers come into leadership because they’re brilliant with children, but that doesn’t always mean they’ve had training in issues such as running a business or managing people. That can lead to feelings of stress or even imposter syndrome – that sense of “I’m not good enough” even though you are. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, we’re only human.
Stress and anxiety
You’re not alone in feeling this way. A study from mental health charity Mind found that more than 60% of people in the UK feel stressed or anxious at work. More than one in five said they took time off due to stress but didn’t feel able to disclose the real reason. NHS research shows that managers and leaders in caring roles are especially at risk of burnout.
When these feelings are left unnoticed, they can grow and make the job feel even harder. That’s why it’s so important to look after your own wellbeing as a leader.
Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework highlights the importance of strong leadership and a happy staff team. It recognises that when staff feel supported, they give better care to children. But how often is that same care given to the manager or leader?

A sense of connection
Wellbeing isn’t just about having a quiet evening or taking a walk – though those things can help. It’s about feeling valued, a sense of belonging, having people to talk to, and being part of a supportive community.
As a manager or leader, you play a big part in helping others. You lift your team up, help them grow, and create a caring space. But that support needs to go both ways. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Being a nursery leader comes with great responsibility. You’re accountable for children’s safety, staff performance, parent relationships, and business success – all at once. It’s a huge weight to carry, and it’s easy to slip into survival mode. But we must find ways to help each other thrive, not just survive.
I’ve found that working in early years can feel competitive. Everyone wants to be the best and give the best to their children and families. But we must try to remind ourselves that we are not in competition. We are all here for the same reason – the children.
Support networks
Somewhere, another manager is going through exactly what you are. Whether it’s staffing issues, finances, inspection pressure, or just that feeling of not knowing if you’re doing it right – someone else gets it. That’s why I believe having a support network is so important. Talk to other managers or leaders. Join a local group. Connect with each other online. Even one conversation can remind you that you’re not alone.
There’s lots of opportunities to connect and share in the sector, from attending events such as Nursery Management Today‘s Owners Clubs and the Nursery Management Show, using online platforms, and, having recently had its big launch, the new app Realise EY.
This exciting new app is a safe, judgement-free space just for nursery managers. It’s your place to connect with others who truly get it, share ideas, swap best practice, and talk about everything early years. You’ll also get access to expert advice, free resources, inspiring webinars, live sessions with early years experts and so much more. The early years team at Realise understands how challenging and isolating the role can be, so Realise has created a supportive space to help you feel heard, uplifted, and ready to thrive – not just survive.
Champions for each other
Let’s be champions for each other, not just for the children in our care. Because when we look after each other, the whole setting gets stronger – and the children feel it too. I think being a leader in early years is a real honour. You are shaping little lives and leading a team of people who care just as much as you do. That’s something to be proud of. So, let’s shift the way we think. Let’s move from feeling alone to feeling connected.
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