Wellness at The Nest 

At The Nest, our commitment to keeping children safe, cared for, and supported underpins all that we do. We believe that wellness and emotional security are the foundation for every child’s learning and development. Our enabling environment, positive relationships, and consistent routines ensure that every child feels valued, safe, and ready to explore the world around them.

At The Nest, we:

• Prioritise wellness in every aspect of care and play.
• Provide ongoing practitioner training on attachment, child development, and mental health awareness.
• Identify and address concerns early, working collaboratively with families and professionals.
• Value and listen to the voices of children and families in shaping our wellness support. 
• Promote an inclusive, nurturing ethos where every child is recognised as unique and supported to reach their full potential. 

Universal 

This Universal includes the core wellbeing provision available to all children and families. It reflects the EYFS Framework, the Development Matters (2021) guidance, and the EYFS principles of The Unique Child, Enabling Environments and Positive Relationships. We focus on creating a secure, inclusive, and emotionally warm environment where children can develop confidence, independence, and resilience through play and high-quality interactions. 

Our universal wellness includes:

• Secure Relationships
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)
• Zones of Regulation
• Together Time
• Positive Behaviour and Praise
• Healthy Living
• Physical Development
• Hygiene and Independence
• Snack Time
• Mindfulness and Calm
• Play-Based Learning
• Predictable Routines
• Social Skills Development
• Family Partnership
• Community Connection

Targeted

For children and families who may need additional help with emotional regulation, social development, or home routines, The Nest provides targeted interventions. These are usually led by trained practitioners or in partnership with early help and wellbeing professionals.

Examples include:

• Early communication and language support.
• Focused activities promoting turn-taking, problem-solving, and empathy.
• Small-group emotional literacy sessions.
• Individualised wellbeing plans with family involvement.
• Support and guidance from in-house professionals e.g. family support worker, SENCo 
  

Specialist 

For children and families requiring more specialist input, we work collaboratively with external professionals to ensure the best outcomes.

Our partnerships include:

• Early Help and Family Support Teams  for structured family plans and ongoing wellbeing support.
• Health Visitors and Early Years SEND Services for developmental, health, or additional learning needs.
• Child and Family Wellbeing Services providing therapeutic play, counselling, or specialist emotional support.
• Local Authority Early Years Wellbeing Network sharing expertise and accessing specialist training.

We continually review and refine our wellbeing provision to ensure it meets the needs of every child and family.