Things I Wish I Knew About the Emotional Environment of Early Years Settings

Stronger Practice Hub Event

This session focuses on understanding the emotional environment in Early Childhood Education and Care settings and its impact on leadership and children’s personal, social, and emotional development. Participants will explore key concepts such as mirror neurons, mentalisation, polyvagal theory, epigenetics, and trauma-informed practice, alongside ideas such as emotional ecology, the ethics of care, and professional love.

The session aims to equip leaders with strategies to create emotionally safe environments, manage emotional labour, and lead with authenticity, while supporting resilience, distress tolerance, and secure attachments in children. Practical tools such as mindfulness, breathing techniques, and reflective exercises will help practitioners enhance wellbeing and foster positive emotional climates, ultimately improving leadership effectiveness and children’s holistic development.

Suitable for staff at all levels.