Nursery World - Early years staff told to prioritise their mental health as you cannot 'pour from an empty cup'

Staff working in early years settings have been told there is ‘no shame’ putting themselves first and to admit if they are struggling and need help.

Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, has reiterated the importance of early years staff looking after their mental wellbeing, PHOTO: Adobe Stock

Giving the keynote speech at the Early Years Alliance’s annual conference last night, the charity’s chief executive Neil Leitch acknowledged that many within the workforce are struggling with anxiety, depression and low-morale which he said is the reality of working in a low-pay, high pressure sector.’

He went on to recount watching his own mother struggle with mental health challenges and how as a child he was humiliated by a teacher at secondary school because his mother could only afford to buy men’s trousers for him as a boy, which she altered – an experience which made him want to leave school.

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