With the rapid change experienced by the Early Years Workforce over recent times, this book considers what constitutes professionalization in the sector, and what this means in practice. Bringing a critical perspective to the developing knowledge and understanding of early years practitioners at various stages of their professional development, it draws attention to key themes and issues. Chapters are written by leading authorities, and provide case studies, question and discussion points to facilitate critical thinking. Topics covered include: - constructions of professional identities - men in the early years - multi-disciplinary working in the early years - professionalization in the nursery - early childhood leadership and policy Written in an accessible style and relevant to all levels of early years courses, the book is highly relevant to those studying at Masters level, and has staggered levels of Further Reading, that encourage reflection and progression.
With the rapid change experienced by the Early Years Workforce over recent times, this book considers what constitutes professionalization in the sector, and what this means in practice. Bringing a critical perspective to the developing knowledge and understanding of early years practitioners at various stages of their professional development, it draws attention to key themes and issues. Chapters are written by leading authorities, and provide case studies, question and discussion points to facilitate critical thinking. Topics covered include: - constructions of professional identities - men in the early years - multi-disciplinary working in the early years - professionalization in the nursery - early childhood leadership and policy Written in an accessible style and relevant to all levels of early years courses, the book is highly relevant to those studying at Masters level, and has staggered levels of Further Reading, that encourage reflection and progression.
Professionalism in the Early Years reflects the new government agenda demanding higher levels of professionalism in the Early Years sector, as set out in the Children's Workforce Strategy. The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and Children's Workforce Development Council(CWDC) aim to transform and professionalise the early years workforce through the creation of new roles, such as the Early Years Professional (EYP), for those leading and working in Children's Centres and in the private and voluntary sector.This text is written by national and international authorities in the field, all of whom are involved in teaching, training and research or at policy level. The editors have been closely involved with development of the government agenda on professionalising the Early Years workforce.Professionalism in the Early Years covers a wide range of issues including: DT routes to professionalism; DT policy developments; DT multi-professional collaboration and multi-agency working; DT international perspectives; DT rethinking professionalism; DT key themes and issues within the Early Yearsworkforce. A truly groundbreaking publication for a new generation of the Children's Workforce, Professionalism in the Early Years sets out the agenda to shape the future of this workforce. Student-friendly, accessible and authoritative, this is the ideal core reader for all those embarking on theirprofessional development within the Early Years sector.
Do you need good leaders to achieve good quality or does good quality create good leadership? Quality is a term frequently used to describe early years provision without any further explanation of exactly what this ′quality provision′ looks like or how it can be achieved. This book not only unpicks what is meant by the term ′quality′ in England, across the UK, and beyond, but it does so in the context of how to lead in order to develop and achieve quality. In exploring quality and leadership and the ways in which both terms have been conceptualised from a range of different perspectives you will be able to find a meaning that is right for you and your practice. With chapters covering: · The global interest in quality · The broad nature of early childhood leadership · Reflective evaluation and practice This book will be of interest to setting and room leaders across the early years as well as students studying early childhood or in early years teacher training.
This text builds upon, and contributes to, ongoing debates surrounding professionalism in the early years' workforce. Aspects of social class, 'race' and gender are linked using practitioners' experiences of being and becoming professional in a rapidly changing policy climate.
...a major contribution to the limited literature and research on leadership in childhood education.′ - Professor Tony Bush, Editor of Educational Management, Administration and Leadership. ′This important book focuses clearly on evidence, describing the realities of leading and managing settings in times of rapid policy changes. Carol Aubrey manages to combine theory, research and practice in a book that will be invaluable to a new generation of early years professionals.′ - Angela Anning, Emeritus Professor of Early Childhood Education, University of Leeds, UK ′..skilfully draws on sound empirical research to present a grounded theory model for leadership in early years education. ....of interest to researchers, students and practitioners internationally.′ - Professor Nithi Muthukrishna, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa This Second Edition of Leading and Managing in the Early Years explores and integrates leadership and management practice with a real understanding of early years settings. Revised and updated, this new edition includes: - Two new chapters on private day care and reflective practice and action research - Further coverage of reflective practice and reflective leadership skills - More on EYPS as well as integrated centre leadership - Practical suggestions for working with resistant groups and individuals. Carol Aubrey investigates different concepts and characteristics of Early Childhood (EC) leadership as well as the roles and responsibilities of EC leaders. She also explores the types of leadership programmes or development which are needed to maximise the effectiveness of EC leaders. This book is essential reading for students in Early Childhood courses, Early Years Practitioners and local authority employees involved with the integrated centres initiative. Carol Aubrey is Professor of Early Childhood Studies at the University of Warwick.
This book focuses on the leadership of practice and, in particular, how to bring about changes which improve practice. It draws on research into a group of early years leaders which followed them for almost three years as they attempted to improve provision in their settings as 'change agents' and 'leaders of practice'. Through exploring their successes and failures, the book builds a picture of what it takes to lead improvements in practice. This book develops four principles of practice that many leaders adopt as they innovate. These principles provide basic guidance about how to bring about improvements in practice and are derived from the real-life attempts of both inexperienced and established leaders to improve the quality of provision. With its strong research methodology and skilled analysis, this book provides an excellent insight into the challenges of leadership for quality provision in early years settings. If you are working as a leader in the early years sector, or aspire to a leadership role in the early years, this book is inspiring and essential reading. Mark Hadfield is Professor in the School of Social Sciences, University of Cardiff, UK. Michael Jopling is Professor in Education at Northumbria University, UK. Martin Needham is Principal Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK. This book provides unique insights into Early Years 'practice leadership' and uses research to inform quality improvement. The authors set the scene with a review of policy and its effects on practice leadership, before combining key aspects emerging from their own research and wider theory with practical guidance on how to assess and improve practice leadership and quality Early Years provision. There is a strong focus on the relationships which support and develop inclusion and shared responsibility for creating a culture of change and improvement and include the perspectives of children and parents as equal partners. This book will be of value to all involved in Early Years practice and leadership as well as students at all levels and researchers. Michael Gasper, Early Years Consultant The introduction of a graduate leader has been one of the most significant developments in early years in recent times. This book therefore provides essential reading for all 'leaders' in the early years especially those with Early Years Professional Status or currently undertaking Early Years Teacher Status (0-5). Drawing upon the longitudinal national evaluation of Early Years Professional Status, it provides clear evidence to support those in leadership roles to reflect upon and develop their practice. Most importantly it recognises that there is not one type of leader and that innovation occurs when the graduate leader is able to apply their professional training and experience to a specific setting. Dr Eunice Lumsden, Head of Early Years, The University of Northampton
To achieve Early Years Professional Status candidates must demonstrate that they have effectively led the professional practice of their colleagues across the 0-5 age range. The second edition of this popular text helps Early Years students and experienced practitioners develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to do just that. It explains the nature of leadership and the EYP′s role in promoting good practice and appropriate values and principles. This new edition has been fully revised and updated and includes new chapters on leading practice in a multi-professional context and the leader of practice as an agent of change.
Shortlisted for the 2013 Nursery World Awards! ′The author offers opportunity to reflect upon experience and brings together reflective practice and work-based learning, aiming to support the professional growth of a reflective early years workforce′ -Karen Ward, Senior Lecturer in Early Years, Birmingham City University Work-based reflective learning is a key part of the professional development of practitioners working in the early years sector. The Reflective Early Years Practitioner focuses on the practitioner′s role and development within a wide range of contexts in this area. Informed by empirical research, packed with case studies from a wide range of settings and with points for reflection in each chapter, the author covers: - developing as an early years practitioner - reflective vocational progression - pedagogical examples for continuing professional development - study skills to begin reflective practice - professionalism and reflective leadership in the early years Vital aspects of practice, such as assessing and planning for children′s learning, developing inclusive teaching strategies and integrated practice are highlighted within the chapters. This is essential reading for students undertaking work-based and academic study in early years and for those working towards post-graduate and professional qualifications. It provides readers with tools to continually practice work-based reflective learning now and in the future.
