Early years leaders launch wellbeing book in support of children’s charity

Two leading early years professionals have published a new book exploring how a nurture-led approach can support young children’s emotional wellbeing, relationships and learning in the earliest years of life.

Caroline Wright, Executive Lead for Children’s Wellbeing, Research and Advocacy at Bright Horizons, and Michelle Demirtas, Head of Pedagogical Research and Development, are the coauthors of the book, drawing on research, professional practice and real-world experience from early years settings across the UK.

Their book, Nurturing Children’s Emotional Wellbeing in the Early Years: Linking Theory to Practice, outlines essential knowledge on brain development, learning environments and working with parents. Chapters explore neuroscientific theory alongside practical application, aligned to typical child development, and offer evidence-based strategies and activities to support children’s emotional wellbeing both now and as they grow.

Caroline Wright said:
“Emotional wellbeing is not an ‘extra’ in the early years. It is the foundation on which everything else is built. This book is about supporting educators to understand why nurture matters, and how it can be embedded meaningfully and practically in early years settings.”

Michelle Demirtas added:
“Our aim was to create something that is grounded in evidence but also genuinely useful for practitioners. A nurture-led approach supports children through change, challenge and growth, while also supporting the wellbeing of the adults who care for them.”

Both authors are well-known figures in the early years sector and have led the development and delivery of the Nurture Approach programme at Bright Horizons, supporting nurseries to embed nurture-led practice. Caroline Wright was awarded an MBE for services to Early Childhood Education in 2024.

This resource will be of interest to early years professionals, nursery leaders, students, parents, and anyone with an interest in children’s emotional wellbeing and early development.

All of the authors’ proceeds from the sale of the book will go directly to support the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children. charity, which supports children and families in the UK experiencing adversity.