Little Learners first nursery to adopt Mind Wellbeing ethos

A Doncaster nursery has become the first nursery setting in South Yorkshire to adopt the ethos of Mind Wellbeing, a campaign for change in redefining mental health.
 
Little Learners Day Nursery, which is managed by Doncaster Deaf Trust, embraced the idea and after training, which involved all nursery practitioners as well as parents and carers, is now operating as a Mind Wellbeing setting.
 
Mind Wellbeing is an affirming approach to emotional wellbeing that supports children from an early age to recognise and name a range of emotions, enabling them to develop effective strategies to manage their feelings appropriately.
 
The campaign seeks to address the stigma surrounding mental health and turn awareness into tangible action by reshaping the language used around mental health and end the stigma often associated with it.
 
Mind Wellbeing was founded in 2024 by Hannah Dunn, whose son, Teddy, attended Little Learners Day Nursery several years ago.
 
Helen Goddard, nursery manager, said: “When Hannah got in touch with us to discuss her campaign for change, we immediately fell in love with the idea and knew that it was something that we would like to embed within our nursery. We than began working closely with Hannah, adapting her approach slightly to fit for early years.
 
“The initiative has had a significant positive impact across the nursery, including the introduction of breathing techniques taught through songs and animated characters, making learning engaging and accessible for young children. Those who previously struggled with anxiety or behavioural regulation now confidently apply coping strategies in the moment.”
 
Achieving the accreditation required all areas of the nursery to be involved. Hannah attended a staff training evening, during which she delivered the programme in detail and provided individual logins for staff to access the online platform, enabling them to engage with the training materials independently and reflect on their practice.
 
Helen said: “Staff feel empowered and confident in their ability to support the children effectively. The focus is not on intervention once difficulties arise, but on prevention through early identification and consistent, emotionally informed practice.”
 
Parents and carers were invited to attend an information evening, during which Hannah explained the background and development of the strategy, helping families to understand the rationale behind its use within the nursery. The session, which was really well received, also focused on practical guidance, with parents and carers being given clear strategies and advice to support their children’s emotional wellbeing at home, strengthening consistency between home and the setting.
 
 
Hannah Dunn said: “Working with the team at Little Learners Day Nursery has been incredibly meaningful. Mind Wellbeing exists to shift the focus away from crisis-led responses and towards prevention, supporting children to understand their emotions early, before difficulties escalate.
 
“To see this ethos so thoughtfully embedded within a nursery that once cared for my own son, at a time when my own mind wellbeing wasn’t where it needed to be, is something I feel deeply proud of. Little Learners’ commitment to emotionally informed practice shows what’s possible when early years settings prioritise language, connection, and consistency.
 
“Being the first nursery in Doncaster and the wider South Yorkshire region to adopt Mind Wellbeing reflects their leadership and courage to do things differently. This is exactly the kind of cultural change we hope to see, where emotional wellbeing is not an add-on, but a foundation for learning, belonging, and lifelong agility in today's world.”
 
For more information about Mind Wellbeing, email hello@mindwellbeingcic.com or call 07921 613288.
 
To learn more about Little Learners Day Nursery, please visit: www.deaf-trust.co.uk/nursery/