picture of a child with mental health issues

New Alliance publication helps settings to prioritise children’s mental health and wellbeing

The Early Years Alliance has launched a new publication giving early years practitioners the confidence to adequately meet children’s presenting needs.

New Alliance publication Prioritising Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing is timely as it is set against a challenging backdrop. As the world is slowly recovering from a pandemic, there has been an increase in reported cases of poor adult mental health; the cost of living is rising, causing anxiety amongst many families; there is ongoing concern about the climate crisis and there is war in Europe. Children’s lives are inevitably being impacted.

By its very nature the early years is a challenging time for children, with its transitions and ever broadening horizons. However, early years practitioners are reporting that more and more children are experiencing social, emotional and mental health difficulties. They are experiencing anxiety, finding it hard to separate from their parents/carers and are finding playing alongside and with their peers extremely challenging. For practitioners this presents increasing challenges, which can feel overwhelming.

This book invites practitioners to reflect on the fundamentals of supporting children’s social, emotional and mental health needs, to reassess their everyday practices. It aims to increase their confidence to adequately meet children’s current presenting needs and be able to develop their inclusive practices further.

Early years practitioners are well placed to support children who are experiencing social, emotional and mental health difficulties. They can draw on a wealth of experience and have plenty of skills which can be used.

A special 10% discount is available on pre-orders of this publication from the Alliance shop when placed by 30 June, with the publication being released online in July.

Donna Gaywood, author of the publication, said:

“Early years practitioners are highly skilled professionals. They understand very young children, are able to set up wonderful play activities and walk alongside children, playing a pivotal role in overseeing and supporting their learning and development. Practitioners have the power to encourage children to be excited about life and open up immense opportunities that inspire children to learn throughout their lives."

“Most importantly, early years practitioners care. They care for their key children, and they care passionately about their work. Although more and more children appear to be needing extra support for their social, emotional and mental health development, there is a skilled workforce available who already have many of the qualities needed to help.”

Prioritising Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing is available to Alliance members for just £13.65 and to non-members for £19.50.

How to order: