Minds still matter

Read the Alliance's in-depth report shining a light on the mental health and wellbeing of the early years workforce, published in November 2023.

Shannon Pite

August 20, 2025

Minds Still Matter provides a comprehensive analysis of the results of an Alliance survey of early educators, conducted earlier this year, which found that:

81%

of respondents were regularly stressed about a work-related issue during the month prior to the survey.

77%

supported the removal of the single-word Ofsted grading.

67%

suffered with anxiety while 65% experienced fatigue and 64% loss of motivation.

35%

were considering leaving the sector due to stress and mental health difficulties.

In response to the findings, the Alliance called for a review of the Ofsted inspection process and administration demands on providers, alongside the consistent provision of clear, plain-English early years guidance for the sector, and resources to help support discussions around mental health and wellbeing – all underpinned by adequate funding and a comprehensive recruitment and retention strategy.

Useful blogs and articles

Happy staff, happy setting (Alliance blog)

Dealing with stress — Rob McGeal, policy advisor at the Health and Safety Executive, explains how to mitigate the impact of workplace stress on staff (Under 5 magazine article)

Happy children — taking care of young people’s welll being (Alliance blog)

Stretch and unwind — YogaBugs share some ideas about why and how you can bring yoga practices into your setting (Under 5 magazine article)