Nursery Managers - Why Wellbeing is Important

When you’re managing a nursery, wellbeing might not feel like the most urgent item on your list.  With increasing scrutiny in the UK media, particularly around safety and safeguarding, it's natural for your focus to be drawn to the immediate demands of your role - ensuring children are safe, parents are reassured, and that your team is running smoothly.

But the truth is… wellbeing isn’t a luxury, it’s a foundation. By placing it at the heart of your nursery, it will ultimately have a ripple effect which will strengthen everything else you've worked hard to uphold. At Mini Minds Matter, we believe that when nursery managers prioritise wellbeing, they are creating environments where both children and staff thrive.

This isn't about adding another thing to your plate, it's about changing the way the plate is held.

Wellbeing Deserves Your Attention!

So, where do we begin talking about the huge benefits which wellbeing can bring? Firstly, a nursery that actively supports emotional wellbeing creates a space of calm, connection, and emotional safety. Furthermore, staff who feel supported and nurtured are more equipped to handle challenges with patience and clarity, creating a more resillient workforce. If your staff feel burnt out or unsupported, it impacts not only their health, but the quality of care your nursery provides. Lastly, and arguably most importantly, children who are emotionally attuned are more likely to regulate their behaviour, engage in learning, and develop lifelong social-emotional skills. In fact, they need this emotional support before any learning can begin to take place. We will discuss this in detail, using the picture below.

Above, we have provided a picture of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. You might not recognise it from its original drawing depicting only a triangle, yet it is the image of the boat which is supposed to have been the original concept for Maslow. In this version, it highlights the fundamental importance of self-esteem, connection and safety – represented as the ‘base’ of the boat – in order for one to discover their purpose – the ‘sails’ of the boat.  And the science backs this up: numerous studies have shown that positive wellbeing improves memory, attention, and productivity.

With the benefits of wellbeing highlighted, the real question isn’t “Can I afford to focus on wellbeing?”, it is “Can I afford not to?”

Integrating Mindfulness into Everyday

We know you're juggling many responsibilities. We understand how hard it is to run and manage a nursery. That’s why our philosophy at Mini Minds Matter is centred around simplicity and consistency with A Mini Mindful Moment Every Day. And the best part about this, is that these moments don’t require fancy equipment or planning, they rely on what we already have - our five senses, our breath, and our words.

Here’s an example of how mindfulness can look without any planning or preparation:

• During snack time: “How does the fruit feel in your hands? What does it smell like?”
• While transitioning: “Let’s all give ourselves a big hug and say, ‘Well done, me!’”
• During high energy moments: “Can you squeeze this dinosaur squishy? How does it feel?

Having mini check-ins help children reconnect with their bodies and calm their minds—especially during moments when emotions run high and their internal ‘panic button’ (the amygdala) is firing. These are not just grounding techniques; they’re tools for emotional literacy which they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Let’s Make Wellbeing the Standard - Not the Extra

You don’t need to do it all at once, just start with one mini mindful moment each day. Over time, these moments build a culture, one where wellbeing becomes woven into your routines, your staff interactions, and your children’s growth.

At Mini Minds Matter, we’re proud to support nursery leaders in bringing this vision to life. Our Level 1 and Level 2 qualification is designed to equip practitioners with the tools they need to ensure mindfulness and wellbeing are deeply engrained into their settings.

If this article has resonated with you, we’d love to connect! Explore how our resources and training can support your nursery’s journey to becoming a wellbeing-first environment. Even better, It is OFSTED approved. Together, let’s lead with care and build nurseries where little minds (and big ones!) truly matter.