Why holiday time matters for early years educators ahead of a new term
As a new term approaches, early years settings begin to fill with a familiar sense of anticipation. New children get ready to start their journeys, families prepare for new routines, and our teams work thoughtfully to create environments that nurture curiosity, learning, and connection. Early years work is deeply rewarding but also undeniably demanding. It calls for emotional warmth, physical stamina, creativity, patience, and continuous presence.
With so much heart going into each day, stepping away for a genuine break becomes essential. A holiday is not simply time off. It is a vital investment in wellbeing, readiness, and long-term fulfilment.
Resting mind, body, and heart
Working in early years requires sustained emotional, cognitive, and physical energy. Each day brings new emotions to hold, new questions to explore, and new learning moments to guide. A holiday offers much-needed space to slow down and reset, giving the mind time to decompress, the body time to recover, and the heart time to breathe.
Returning from rest often brings renewed clarity. Interactions feel calmer, decisions feel more balanced, and there is more room for meaningful connection. In this way, rest becomes woven into the rhythm of professional identity – it supports the ability to show up with warmth, presence, and steadiness.
Creating space for fresh thinking and inspiration
Stepping away from daily routines has a remarkable way of refreshing perspective. Whether through exploring new surroundings, enjoying simple everyday pleasures, or reconnecting with loved ones, holidays often invite unexpected sparks of creativity.
Sometimes, a new place or a good conversation gives ideas for a new learning experience or a change in our environment. This aligns beautifully with the N Curriculum, which is all about inspiration, curiosity, and meaningful experiences. Breaks help educators reconnect with their own sense of wonder – something that flows directly into the learning environments children experience each day.
Supporting long-term wellbeing
Sustained outstanding early years practice relies on sustained wellbeing. Regular holidays contribute significantly to lower stress levels, improved emotional resilience and better mental health. A rested educator is better able to approach challenges with patience, creativity and a sense of grounding.
At N, we support wellbeing all year round. Our benefits and initiatives help everyone feel cared for, energised and valued. These include:
- Wellbeing week, an annual celebration with virtual sessions, activities and treats
- Nutritious meals freshly prepared each day by on-site chefs, plus unlimited tea and coffee
- A welcome pack full of thoughtful touches for new team members
- Assistance programme, offering counselling, guidance and wellbeing support
- Mindfulness tools, including access to Insight Timer and Headspace
- A flexible, paid ‘Me’ Day, designed for rest or personal celebration
- Social events, such as the Winter Party, Summer BBQ and regular nursery socials
- Mental health first aiders trained to offer support across variety of sites and roles
- MyGym Discounts, free eye tests, flu jabs, menopause support, and the Health Cash Plan
These benefits reflect a culture that prioritises wellbeing. Educators thrive when supported both inside and outside the nursery environment.
Strengthening personal connections and balance
Holidays offer precious time to reconnect with the people, interests and routines that bring personal joy. Whether through rest, travel, creativity or connection, time away nurtures the parts of life that often sit quietly during busy terms.
A strengthened personal life naturally supports a strengthened professional one. When a sense of balance is restored, motivation lifts and interactions feel warmer and more intentional. Personal fulfilment flows into professional fulfilment.
Returning to the term with renewed energy
The start of a new term can feel entirely different after meaningful rest. Returning with a refreshed mind and energised spirit has a remarkable impact on the atmosphere within a room or learning environment. Patience deepens, enthusiasm rises, and there is more capacity for presence in interactions with children, families and colleagues.
This renewed energy creates a ripple effect. Children notice when adults are calmer and more grounded. Families feel welcomed into a positive, uplifting environment. Teams collaborate with greater ease. A single individual’s wellbeing can help shape the culture of an entire room.
Modelling healthy boundaries and a culture of self-care
Taking a holiday and really switching off sends a strong message to the team. It shows that rest matters and helps build a culture that respects personal time.
This type of culture supports long-term retention, strengthens team morale and ensures sustainability within early years education. It also provides an important model for children, who learn from the adults around them that rest, balance and self-care are valuable parts of life. Healthy boundaries help create healthy teams.
Stepping into the new term grounded and energised
A holiday ahead of a new term is much more than time away – it is preparation. It is a moment to rebalance, to reconnect, to breathe before the meaningful work of a new term begins.
Taking this time helps educators enter the term grounded, energised and ready to offer exceptional early years practice. When wellbeing is prioritised, the entire community benefits: children flourish, families feel supported, and teams feel strong and connected.
A new term brings fresh beginnings, new stories and countless opportunities for joy. Rest makes space for all of it.
Considering a new role in the new year?
For anyone looking to start the new year with purpose, energy and a career rooted in meaningful work, the N community is growing. Roles across nurseries and support teams open regularly, offering opportunities to join environments shaped by curiosity, creativity and genuine care for people’s wellbeing.
If you are interested in exploring upcoming roles, you can visit this page to discover positions designed for those who want to make a real impact in early years education. A new term offers a fresh start. A new role might too.