A few years ago, mental health was a taboo subject that very few people mentioned. Nowadays, thankfully, times have changed and everyone seems to be talking about their mental health. But does that mean that we all understand it, and what role do early years educators have in supporting mental health in their setting? In this article we look at how early years educators can help the mental health of the children in their care.
What is mental health?
Mental health refers to a person’s overall emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and behave in our daily lives. Good mental health allows us to cope with stress, build positive relationships, work productively, and make sound decisions. Poor mental health can affect all these areas negatively.
It’s important to note that most people’s mental health fluctuates as we journey through the successes and challenges in life; life events, our environment, experiences and physical health can all influence how we feel. Mental health also exists on a spectrum and conditions that can affect mental health include anxiety, depression, as well as disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Understanding children’s mental health
When we think about children’s mental health, we often picture teenagers or young adults struggling with stress, anxiety or depression. But the foundations of mental well-being start much earlier – and young children are just as affected by the world around them as teenagers and adults. In early childhood, mental health is closely linked to a child’s emotional development and often to their relationship with their primary caregivers in the first few years of life. Children need secure relationships, responsive care and safe spaces to explore their feelings and build resilience. If these needs aren’t met, we may see signs like withdrawal, aggression, sleep disruption or difficulty settling in. If not understood early, or the child is suffering from trauma, then research suggests that mental health issues can stay with the child throughout their life, often negatively affecting their life chances and outcomes. Research suggests that one third of mental health problems in adulthood are directly connected to an adverse childhood experience (ACE). Other research shows that one in five children and young people aged eight to 25 had a probable mental health condition in 2023, and this number has been rising since 2017, most notably in the 17-19 age group. So this is a growing problem.
How to recognise childhood mental health issues
Mental health concerns in young children don’t usually look like adult versions because children are still learning to understand, control and express their emotions. A child may not say “I’m sad” – instead, they might present with challenging behaviour, cling to an adult, or refuse to engage in familiar activities. This is why it is so important for early years practitioners to be observant, responsive, and tuned to the needs of the children they support. An incident of emotional distress may be explainable because another child took their toy, but it could also be a signal that the child is struggling with their overall well-being and mental health but are unable to express that.
Common emotional behaviours when children are struggling include:
- A heightened emotional state
- Crying or fussiness
- Sleeping and toileting problems
- Anxiety
- Aggression
- Withdrawn behaviour
Practitioners need to be aware of these signs and observant of changes in children’s behaviour which may signify a mental health problem. The government has published some practical advice on how to deal with these types of behaviours, which you can access at: Advice on how to deal with mental health in the early years.
Usually, with proper support in nursery and at home, these issues are transitory. Unfortunately for some children, this is not always the case, and these children may need additional support or help them with their mental health, or even with their safeguarding.
UNICEF produced a toolkit specifically for supporting children’s mental health in the early years in 2023 which can be downloaded from the link at the bottom of this article. They suggest that even mental health practitioners may overlook the problem of mental health in young children because it is still not properly understood. It is imperative, therefore, that early years practitioners are doing everything in their power to address mental health issues early to get children additional support if they need it.
Creating a positive mental health environment
One of the best ways to support mental health for early years children is to create a calm, predictable and emotionally-safe environment. Children thrive when they know what to expect and feel supported by the adults around them.
Key ingredients of a mentally healthy setting include:
- Consistent routines that help children feel secure and reduce anxiety
- Warm, respectful relationships between staff and children
- Spaces for rest and calm as well as active play
- The ability to regulate emotions especially powerful ones such as anger
- Opportunities to express emotions, including through books, play and conversation
Using books about feelings, emotion cards, mirrors, and dolls can help children name and understand emotions. Role-play also offers a chance for children to process big feelings and try out new responses to different situations.
The role of the key person
The key person is crucial in helping with mental health. Forming a strong bond with a trusted adult helps children develop confidence, self-worth and the ability to manage emotions. When a key person knows a child well, they can spot behavioural changes early, provide appropriate reassurance, and work closely with families if concerns arise.
Working with families and carers
Children’s emotional well-being is deeply connected to what’s happening at the child’s home. Practitioners need to build strong, trusting relationships with families is a key part of supporting mental health. Sometimes families might share worries directly. At other times, you may notice changes in a child’s behaviour resulting in the need to have a gentle, non-judgemental conversation. Either way, it’s important to approach families with sensitivity and respect.
Tips for engaging families around mental health:
- Use warm and non-threatening language
- Focus on shared goals such as: “We both want what’s best for your child”
- Offer reassurance – you’re there to support, not criticise
- Know where to signpost for extra help if needed (e.g. health visitors, family hubs, SEND support or safeguarding people and authorities)
Supporting mental health in early years settings isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about building a culture where children feel heard, valued and cared for. By staying curious, compassionate and committed to well-being, early years practitioners can make a huge difference – one calm corner, one caring comment, or one real connection at a time.
References and more information
UNICEF toolkit
YoungMinds – Mental Health Statistics
Help for early years providers: Mental health for early years children
Understanding and supporting mental health in infancy and early childhood – a toolkit to support local action in the UK. – UNICEF UK