The EYA Wellbeing Academy
Supporting children, families and educators through Belonging, Being and Becoming
At The Early Years Academy, we know that a child can only thrive when their whole world feels secure, supported and full of connection. That’s why our Wellbeing Academy is a dedicated part of our curriculum and culture, designed to nurture emotional literacy, mental health, resilience, and strong relationships across our nurseries.
What Is The Wellbeing Academy?
The Wellbeing Academy brings together a wide range of initiatives, spaces, and everyday routines that place mental, emotional and physical wellbeing at the heart of nursery life.
It is built around our core philosophy of the 3 B’s:
Belonging
Feeling safe, valued and connected.
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Being
Embracing the present moment and enjoying each day.
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Becoming
Growing into your potential with support and care.
This approach helps children develop strong emotional foundations from the earliest age, setting them up not only for school, but for life.
For Our Children
Our nurseries are warm, calming and joy-filled places and that’s entirely intentional. Through thoughtful planning, our teams create environments where children feel truly at home.
Wellbeing-focused experiences include:
Yoga & mindfulness to support self-regulation and calm
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Hygge-inspired environments with soft furnishings and natural textures
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Daily reflections and floor books to encourage self-expression
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Outdoor play and Forest School to support mental and physical health
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Growing & Baking Academies to nurture patience, responsibility, and joy
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Voting stations and child committees to ensure every voice is heard
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Real-life trips that build confidence, curiosity, and connection
We believe wellbeing is not a subject, it’s a thread woven into everything we do.
For Our Families
A child’s wellbeing starts with the adults who care for them, which is why our Wellbeing Academy includes dedicated support for parents and carers too.
What we offer families:
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Cosy Family Rooms for settling in or taking a moment of calm
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Monthly Coffee & Catch-Ups to connect with other parents and the team
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Clothing swaps and book swaps to support families sustainably
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Recipe of the Month to try much-loved nursery meals at home
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Honest blog content on parenting and emotional wellbeing
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Stay & Play sessions to strengthen the home–nursery connection
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Signposting to trusted wellbeing and mental health resources via Famly
Whether it’s a practical hand or a reassuring chat, we’re always here to support you.
For Our Team
We understand that in order to give their best, our educators must feel their best. That’s why the Wellbeing Academy also champions team wellbeing, from daily routines to long-term support.
Wellbeing support for staff includes:
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4 Annual Wellbeing Days – paid leave for rest and recharge
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Free in-house meals made fresh daily
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24/7 confidential counselling for all team members and their households
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Wellbeing meetings and supportive supervisions
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Birthday day off, team socials, and the 3B Awards
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Menopause support, mental health first aiders, and more
When our team feels supported, everyone benefits, especially the children.
Part of Everyday Life at All Our Nurseries
The Wellbeing Academy runs every day across all of our settings in Derby, Ibstock Loughborough, Shrewsbury and Stone, ensuring consistent, thoughtful support is available to every child, family and member of staff.
Come and discover how we’re building wellbeing into every moment, not as a box-tick, but as a way of being.
