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earlyyears.teachwire.net
Early years is an ever-
changing environment.
Research continues to give
new insights into how
children learn and develop, and practice
and the policy and regulatory
environments are always evolving.
Practitioners must continually review
their skills and knowledge to remain up
to date. Budget pressures have seen
traditional classroom provision decline
and practitioners are increasingly
receiving their CPD online. This
embracing of technology is welcome as
it allows staff to learn at their own pace
and at convenient times; however,
practitioners must also have
opportunities to share their knowledge
and reflect on new information
acquired. So alongside online courses,
provide staff with a forum for
discussing their learning to help keep
them engaged and motivated.
Michael Freeston, Director of Quality
Improvement, Pre-school Learning Alliance
“BE A
STRONG
LEADER”
Outstanding leaders are the ones who step away from their desks (if they have
them) and are visible to their whole team, children and parents. They set an
example to everyone around by constantly modelling best practice, and ensuring the whole
setting is operating as it should be. It’s a tall order, but the essential difference between ‘managers
who manage work’ and ‘leaders who lead people’.
Strong leaders create environments which are full of common goals and values that spread their influence, and where
everyone uses positive power. Leaders should listen more than they talk. They should set out structures and lines of
communication, and the team should be clear about all their responsibilities. Leaders, with the help of managers or
coordinators, make sure these are all functioning and effective. Modelling the best ways of working at all times, the best
leaders promote a safe and accountable environment – informed by their insatiable appetite for
continuous professional development and the raising of early years quality and
business standards.
James Hempsall OBE,
Director, Hempsall’s
training, research
and consultancy
“DON’T
FORGET CPD”
“ENGAGE
WITH PARENTS”
Forging solid relationships
with parents is of huge benefit
to the children in your care.
Parents are children’s first
and most enduring educators and it’s
important to recognise and respect that
role. Your setting should be a home
away from home, so sharing information,
knowledge and understanding about
children is vital. That knowledge helps
you to meet the individual needs of each
child, and encourages parents to value
and respect your expertise. Involving
parents from the very beginning, through
induction, settling in and daily chats,
sharing of resources, social events and
information sessions, will help build a
strong two-way relationship.
Liz Bayram, Chief Executive, PACEY
Your setting
should be a home
away from home.
