Infant Mental Health at Hopscotch
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The Importance of Infant Mental Health
Infant mental health is about how babies and toddlers experience emotions, build relationships, and begin to understand the world around them. Central to this is the role of strong, loving bonds with the adults who care for them.
A baby’s sense of safety and security directly affects how their brain develops. Research shows that children who experience consistent, nurturing relationships in their earliest years go on to enjoy better mental health, stronger relationships, and more positive outcomes later in life — both at school and beyond.
At Hopscotch, we believe that caring for a baby means far more than just meeting their basic needs. It’s about offering warmth, connection, and a sense of being truly known and valued.
Hopscotch Infant Mental Health PolicyWhy we introduced this Policy
At Hopscotch, we understand that the earliest stages of a child’s life are crucial. The first 1001 days — from conception to a child’s second birthday — mark a period of remarkable growth and development. During this time, a baby’s brain forms more than a million new connections every second, setting the foundations for how they think, feel, learn and relate to others.
We’ve worked closely with local parent-infant charity BrightPIP to develop this policy, combining expert insight with our experience in early years to create something truly meaningful for babies, families and staff. Together, we’re ensuring that emotional wellbeing is central to everything we do.
How This Looks in Our Nurseries
In practical terms, our approach to infant mental health is woven through everything we do:
Settling in with care
We work closely with parents and carers during the settling-in period to ensure a gentle, supported transition. We take time to really get to know each child from the parent’s perspective - understanding their routines, preferences, and comfort items - so that we can provide a familiar, reassuring experience from day one. Babies feel safer when they can build trust with a familiar adult at nursery, and we make space for these important relationships to form naturally.
Building close bonds
Each child has a key person - someone who takes time to get to know them deeply and becomes a familiar, comforting presence in their day. These secure attachments help babies feel confident to explore and learn.
Responding to emotions
We understand that babies and toddlers express their feelings through behaviour. When children feel overwhelmed, our staff respond with calm, warmth and understanding. By helping children manage their emotions, we support the development of lifelong self-regulation skills.
Creating a calm, consistent environment
Our rooms are designed to feel safe and familiar. Routines are predictable, and staff are consistent, so children know what to expect and who to turn to. We also make space for quiet, reflective time to help young minds process all they’re learning.
Working in partnership with families
Parents and carers are a child’s first and most important teachers. We build strong relationships with families to ensure we understand each child’s background, needs and preferences. If additional support is ever needed, we help families access it.
Supporting our staff
The wellbeing of our practitioners is vital. When staff feel supported and valued, they are better able to offer the kind of nurturing care that babies need. We’re committed to making sure our teams are well looked after too.
Looking Ahead
We believe that putting infant mental health at the heart of our nurseries will help every child get the best possible start in life. By focusing on strong relationships, emotional safety and responsive care, we’re not just supporting children today - we’re laying the foundation for their future wellbeing, confidence and success.
