In this blog post, by Dr. Louise Hannan, the complex emotional landscape of Early Years settings is explored through the lens of staff well-being and self-care strategies. Drawing from her experience as a practitioner, manager, and researcher, she examines how staff emotional well-being directly impacts children’s development through warm, responsive relationships. Through a case study with Bridgwater and Taunton College Childcare Centre, the research demonstrates how implementing simple self-care strategies can enhance job satisfaction, reduce stress, and create a more positive environment for both staff and children.