Mental Health, Happiness and Wellbeing Project

Early Years Scotland was commissioned to undertake an engagement project on behalf of the Scottish Government and the Convention Of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) to consider what is currently available, and what is required in the future, to support the mental health and wellbeing of 3-5 year olds across Scotland, and to suggest recommendations for further action.

Starting in January 2022, the engagement process posed a series of questions to children, families and the ELC workforce that intended to capture evidence regarding whether they felt that they had the correct level and format of support for the needs of children. Questions also focused on whether there were gaps in the current levels of support and the range of resources available, and what suggestions parents, staff and children could recommend or request.

The report from the engagement process provides suggested solutions which help to answer the calls made by children, parents and the ELC workforce, which will support their day-to-day practice around positive mental health and wellbeing.