How to Build a Calmer Early Years Team

What happens when stress leaves us with no space to pause, reflect or respond calmly?In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Diana Bradley, Executive Director at Montessori Society UK, for an honest conversation about stress, burnout, reflection and wellbeing in early years settings.Diana shares how stress can affect the way we work, interact with children and respond to our teams. We explore why reflection matters, how coaching can create safe spaces for staff, and how colleagues can support one another through listening, collaboration and shared knowledge.We also discuss the importance of creating safe environments for adults as well as children, the role of self-awareness in managing stress, and how the prepared environment can support children’s independence while reducing pressure on practitioners.A powerful reminder throughout the conversation is that safety comes before hierarchy. Children do not care about job titles. They look for adults who make them feel safe.In this episode, we discuss: Recognising signs of stress in early years teamsReflection and responding rather than reactingCoaching and professional wellbeingCreating safe spaces for staffSupporting children’s independenceThe prepared environmentCollaboration with parents and colleaguesCPD and sharing knowledgeBuilding calmer, healthier early years teamsWhy safety comes before hierarchyThis episode is perfect for nursery leaders, early years practitioners, Montessori educators, teachers and education leaders interested in staff wellbeing, stress management and preventing burnout.If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate and share Beat Teacher Burnout. Your review helps more educators discover conversations that support healthier workplaces.____Connect with Diana Bradley:Website: montessorisociety.org.ukInstagram: www.instagram.com/montessori.society.ami.ukLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/diana-bradleyTwitter: x.com/AMIUKSociety✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ  ✨Follow Rowena:👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks👉Website: https://www.rowenahicks.com—Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on:👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1👉Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571👉Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/ —Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉https://www.rowenahicks.com/booksBuy on Amazon:👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout :https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubgNot sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: https://calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67