15/05/2026
As Mental Health Awareness Week comes to a close, it’s a great moment to reflect on how important mental health is within our early years settings and schools.
At the heart of every classroom and nursery is a child who is learning not only numbers and letters, but also how to understand their feelings, build friendships, and feel safe in the world around them. Supporting children’s emotional wellbeing from the earliest years helps lay the foundations for confidence, resilience, and positive relationships later in life.
In early education and schools, small things can make a big difference:
• Creating safe, nurturing environments where children feel heard
• Encouraging open conversations about feelings
• Teaching kindness, empathy and friendship skills
• Supporting children who may be struggling emotionally
Mental health awareness reminds us that wellbeing is just as important as academic learning. When children feel supported emotionally, they are better able to engage, explore, and thrive.
As we move forward from this week, let’s continue to work together — educators, families and communities — to ensure every child has the support they need to grow happy, confident and resilient.
