Our Well-being Strands
At Informed Early Years, well-being is at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to support the holistic development of children through compassionate, mindful practices. Explore our four well-being strands below, each designed to foster emotional and social growth in early childhood.
Trauma-Informed Practice
Trauma-Informed Practice is about understanding that trauma can come in many forms, including not just ACEs but experiences like isolation, family illness, pandemics, or intergenerational trauma. At Informed Early Years, we believe that society as a whole should adopt a trauma-informed lens, creating a more caring, compassionate community. This approach is not only valuable in early childhood settings but is applicable across all environments—workplaces, homes, and organisations. By adopting this practice, we gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour, fostering empathy and creating safe spaces where children and adults alike can thrive. Trauma-informed practice is about addressing behaviours by looking beyond the surface, focusing on emotional understanding, and building strong, supportive relationships.
"Trauma-informed practice is about addressing behaviours by looking beyond
the surface, focusing on emotional understanding, and building strong, supportive relationships."
In practice, this means recognising the emotional impact trauma has on young children’s learning, behaviour, and development. It involves creating predictable, nurturing environments, using relational approaches, and responding with compassion and empathy. Whether in early childhood settings, homes, or broader community environments, this approach empowers us to see the whole person and support their well-being from a place of understanding and care. By integrating trauma-informed practices, we directly support children's well-being, helping them feel secure, emotionally supported, and better equipped to cope with life's challenges, leading to healthier development and future success.
Mindfulness & Emotional Regulation
At Informed Early Years, Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation are cornerstones of young children's well-being. Research shows that mindfulness fosters emotional resilience, helping children stay present, manage stress, and develop self-awareness. By practicing mindfulness, children learn to recognise triggers and regulate emotions, leading to more balanced emotional development.
Mindfulness and emotional regulation are deeply interconnected—while mindfulness encourages children to focus on the present moment, emotional regulation teaches them how to manage ‘big feelings’ through co-regulation and self-regulation. This process builds emotional literacy, helping children identify and express their emotions, which is essential for personal and social growth.
"For parents, mindfulness offers the opportunity to focus on connection without the pressures of milestones, enhancing relationships and reducing anxiety."
For parents, mindfulness offers the opportunity to focus on connection without the pressures of milestones, enhancing relationships and reducing anxiety. Professionals benefit by regulating their own emotions, leading to better observation of children’s interests and unique needs, which directly contributes to improved developmental outcomes.
This strand is critical to our mission because nurturing emotional health in children creates compassionate, resilient individuals. By adopting mindfulness and emotional regulation practices, you are contributing to environments where children can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. It’s not just about immediate benefits—this approach sets the foundation for lifelong well-being, enabling children to become emotionally intelligent, confident, and well-rounded adults.
Relational & Behavioural Approaches
Relational and Behavioural Approaches focus on understanding behaviour as a form of communication, often signalling unmet needs in young children. At Informed Early Years, we believe that traditional behaviour management strategies—such as extrinsic rewards or punishments—fail to address the root causes of behaviour. Instead, we advocate for relational approaches that prioritise connection, attachment, and understanding.
"Behaviour should be seen as communication that reflects a child's emotional state..."
Behaviour should be seen as communication that reflects a child's emotional state, and by using a ‘time-in’ rather than a ‘time-out’ approach, we can offer children the guidance and support they need to process their feelings. Relationship-focused strategies create gentle, calm environments where children feel safe to express themselves, while adults help them regulate emotions and understand their needs. Research consistently shows that these relational approaches lead to better emotional health, stronger attachments, and ultimately, improved well-being for children.
By aligning behaviour policies with these principles, professionals and caregivers can foster environments that are attuned to children’s emotional development, promoting long-term resilience and emotional well-being. This strand is central to our mission because it helps create compassionate, supportive spaces where children learn through relationships, not through punitive systems.
Awe-Inspiring Environments
Awe-Inspiring Environments are foundational for fostering curiosity, wonder, and emotional growth in young children. At Informed Early Years, we believe that environments should be rich in sensory experiences, filled with loose parts, sustainable materials, and real-world objects that encourage exploration and help children make sense of the world. These spaces should feel safe, warm, and inviting, with retreats where children can self-regulate and find calm.
"...we believe that environments should be rich in sensory experiences, filled with loose parts, sustainable materials, and real-world objects..."
Responsive to children’s interests, cultural backgrounds, and community, no two environments should look the same. They should reflect the unique ethos of each child, family, or setting, promoting a sense of belonging and connection. By preparing thoughtful, mindful environments, we support children's emotional well-being, nurturing their development and growth through spaces that spark wonder and respect their individuality.