Early childhood practitioners are often reluctant to see themselves as leaders and managers. However, all those who work with young children and their families, whatever their level of experience and competence, have to undertake both of these roles on a daily basis. This book encourages practitioners to recognise their active involvement in leadership and management in relation to their work as team leader or team member, and in their work with parents and other professionals, to ensure appropriate and effective provision for young children. The authors identify a number of key principles involved in effective early years leadership and management, which focus on the idea that: Leadership is about influencing others to improve and enhance children’s care, learning and development Leadership is only effective if it develops the leadership of others by supporting a team or group in meeting their declared aims or vision Leadership is ultimately distributed, shared and dispersed in early childhood settings These principles are supported by a detailed exploration of the statutory demands made on practitioners working with young children and their families, and reference to relevant literature drawn from both early childhood studies and leadership theories. As well as providing guidance on the roles, responsibilities and tasks facing early childhood leaders, the book features a number of case studies and practical tasks, giving life to concepts and ideas and enabling readers to apply theories and policies to their own work settings. Additional activities at the end of each chapter further support practitioners in fulfilling their leadership and management roles in practice. Leadership and Management in the Early Years is an essential text for early years and early childhood studies students as well as practitioners particularly those who are aiming for Early Years Professional Status.

This book covers key topics such as diversity, bereavement and effective nutrition for children. It offers a unique collection from leading international education specialists in the field.

`By Exploring the types of leadership programmes or development which is needed to maximise the effectiveness of early childhood leaders, Leading and Managing in the Early Years is extremely useful for any reader researching early childhood issues, for owners, managers and practitioners who are planning to develop distributive leadership in their early years provision in all sectors and for local authority employess involved in developing intergrated centres' - Early Years Update `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 Skilled and effective leadership is essential in early childhood (EC) settings such as nurseries, day care centres, children's centres and in reception classes within schools. This book integrates leadership and management practice with a real understanding of early years settings, looking at the many different models of EC leadership and many different types of settings in which EC leadership operates. This book investigates different concepts and characteristics of EC leadership as well as the roles and responsibilities of EC leaders. It also explores the types of leadership programmes or development which is needed to maximise the effectiveness of EC leaders. Based on work done by Carol Aubrey and her colleagues with groups of local early years leaders from children's centres, foundation units in primary schools, nursery and day care provision, this book is suitable for all those studying and researching early childhood, from Foundation Degree students through Early Years Practitioners to NPQICL participants. It will be useful for 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 and UK editor of Journal of Early Childhood Research.

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.

...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.

The foundation stage has a fundamental role in the laying of foundations for children's learning. In this new edition the author uses a wide range of material, including research evidence, to offer an additional dimension to work currently taking place in the Foundation Stage. Each chapter includes the 'early learning goals' for the majority of children and advice on providing for each area of learning: personal, social and emotional development, language and literacy, mathematics, knowledge and understanding of the world, and physical and creative development. Students training to be specialist early years teachers and those already working in the sector will welcome this up-to-date guide to planning and providing for high quality learning experiences for children under five. With case studies of good practice, practical help in writing an early years policy and guidance on assessment and devising an effective post-inspection plan, this is a truly comprehensive guide to planning and implementing an appropriate curriculum for the under fives.

The Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) award can be achieved by early years workers by following the relevant pathway, and it offers the early years professional the opportunity to consolidate their skills and move up the career ladder. Each chapter includes reference to the EYPS standards, photographs to illustrate practice, case study material, reflective practice tasks, links to other EYP standards (where appropriate), suggested further reading and useful websites.

This publication takes as its background the radical reforms to services for children following the passing, in England, of The Children Act of 2004 and subsequent Government white paper, Every Child Matters: Change for Children. It argues that the fundamental requirements for leadership for learning in the early years should be provided by considering social contexts, adopting a commitment to collective working, and focusing on improving children's learning outcomes. It is based on the analysis of a wide range of literature on leadership in the early years and information taken from effective early years settings.

The definitive guide to developing leadership skills in early years settings, this book will help you to develop a leadership style tailored to your early years setting. Designed to support existing, new and aspiring leaders, it spans all levels of leadership, from organisational and team leadership to practice. It presents key theories of leadership with relevant examples and strategies and is illustrated throughout with case studies, reflective exercises and recommended reading. Once you have read this book, you will be able to plan, implement, sustain, review and evaluate your own and your workplace's improvements to ensure effective leadership, continuous quality improvement and better outcomes for children and families.

In this accessible and informative step-by-step guide, early years consultant Debbie Garvey provides leaders and managers with best practice tips and advice for developing their performance management skills in early years settings. Drawing on current research and the author's wealth of experience in the field, each chapter sets out effective performance management techniques that leaders can apply to their workplaces, on topics such as staff development, recruitment, appraisals, conflict management, feedback and evaluation, mentoring and coaching and health and wellbeing. Grounded in an understanding of neuroscience and brain development, this practical book provides advice on how to ensure a safe and motivational environment for both children and staff to develop, whatever their needs. Designed to support new and existing managers, the book includes reflective exercises, key theories and case studies to enable leaders to develop a style suited to their team and setting, ensuring children are given the best possible support during their first and most crucial development stage.