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 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.

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.

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.

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

The term ‘quality’ is frequently used in early years practice - both in professional discussions and in key policy and literature - but often without question or an agreed understanding of what quality is and as though it is an entirely unproblematic concept. Through a series of inspiring and thought-provoking chapters this book supports you in considering and developing your own notion of ‘quality early years practice’ across a broad range of key strands of early years provision – from the environment to policies, from work with vulnerable children and babies to curriculum and research. This book helps you to construct your own idea of quality and challenges you to develop your own understanding through stimulating discussion and reflection points. A key argument is that whilst there are several ‘indicators’ and ‘measures’ of quality there is no one universally agreed definition of ‘quality’ in early years provision and hence developing your own notion of quality and working towards that with others is paramount. Key features include: •Consideration of what ‘quality’ looks like within a contemporary early years landscape•How you might deliver quality practice when other influences might appear to hinder or contradict this•Reflection points to help you embed and link your learning to practice•A graduated approach for a greater depth of engagement with the topic and relevant literature. With each chapter written by an early years expert Quality in the Early Years is a vital companion for those studying towards any early years qualification, as well as established practitioners and leaders within the field.

The work of early childhood education and care (ECEC) professionals is the major driver of the quality of an ECEC system. As evidence accumulates on the strong benefits of investing in early education, countries need effective policies to attract, maintain and retain a highly skilled workforce in the sector.

The only textbook you′ll need to support you through your entire Early Childhood Studies degree. This updated edition is comprehensive and current, with student voices in every chapter.

Early childhood educators are keenly aware of the importance of a child’s transition to “real school.” This transition is occurring earlier in a child’s life now that school districts nationwide are moving to pre-kindergarten experiences for 3- and 4-year olds. Annually, more than one million children attend public school pre-k programs overseen by elementary school principals who, although veteran educational leaders, were not trained to oversee these programs. Although pre-k classrooms are rapidly growing and deserve special attention, school leaders must be reminded that early childhood means more than pre-kindergarten; it extends through third grade. School leadership needs to understand the principles of early childhood education to effectively support all children age three to grade three. Professional and Ethical Consideration for Early Childhood Leaders is a collection of innovative research that crafts an overall understanding of the importance of early childhood leadership in today’s schools. The book employs strategies to improve support for children in early childhood years, examines the different roles of early childhood leadership, analyzes best practices for implementation in early childhood contexts, and explores improvements for leadership preparation for schools with pre-k through third-grade children. While highlighting a wide range of topics including advocacy, cultural responses, and professional development, this publication is ideally designed for educators, administrators, principals, early childhood development teachers, daycare instructors, curriculum developers, advocates, researchers, academicians, and students.