Performance Management in Early Years Settings


Book Description

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.




Leading and Managing Early Childhood Settings


Book Description

This book examines what it means to be a leader across the early childhood education field. Introducing a number of core concepts, including self-understanding through professional reflection and consideration of peoples beliefs and values, it explores the challenges of working in various roles within early childhood settings.




Nurturing Personal, Social and Emotional Development in Early Childhood


Book Description

This direct guide supports practitioners in nurturing personal, social and emotional development (PSED) in young children by demystifying brain development research. Condensing a wealth of recent research and theory around PSED into practical guidance, it gives professionals the knowledge and understanding they need to critically evaluate their own practice and find the best course of action to support PSED in young children. From the perspective of neuroscience, it explores what can help or hinder development, considers why some children bite and why toddlers have tantrums, and questions how well-intentioned actions, such as reward systems or putting new foods on a plate for children to 'just try', may be misguided.




Managing Early Years Settings


Book Description

′This book is a very useful resource for setting leaders undertaking advanced study, such as Early Years Professional Status and the National Professional Qualification in Integrated Centre Leadership...[I]t is also an interesting and up-to-date reference tool for qualified managers and leaders of early years settings, large and small, in all sectors′ - Early Years Update ′Through discussion points and case studies, the authors explore the key skills and techniques necessary to effectively lead and manage an early years setting - Nursery Education Plus, as part of their ′Ten of the Best early years professional books′ feature. `This book will make a relevant and helpful contribution in enabling practitioners to explore and understand the different ways in which they can lead and manage across a diverse range of settings and at different levels. Through helpful discussion points and case studies, the book will encourage practitioners to consider both theory and practice, including value based practice and the skills required for working within a new multi-disciplinary environment. A welcome and accessible text for early years practitioners facing the challenges and demands of this new agenda′ - Professor Linda Miller, Professor of Early Years, The Open University Firmly grounded in practice, this book puts children and families at the centre of good early years leadership. There is now considerable emphasis on leadership skills in this sector, as the workforce becomes increasingly professionalized. The following are considered: - changes and developments within the early years sector - the impact of good leadership on children and their families - effective practice in a variety of settings, including Children′s Centres - value-based leadership, and inspirational leadership - meeting the challenges - managing change - inter-agency and multi-disciplinary working - working with families and parent groups. Useful features such as Activities for Continuing Professional Development, Questions for Reflection and Pictures of Practice appear throughout the book. Those studying for Foundation Degrees, leaders undertaking the National Professional Qualification for Integrated Centre Leadership (NPQICL), those undertaking the management modules for Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) and anyone studying Childhood and Early Childhood will find this book an invaluable aid.




Working with Parents in Early Years Settings


Book Description

This book explores the ways in which Early Years practitioners work with parents and families to enhance children’s development, learning and well-being. It explores the need for close partnership working between staff and families, offers examples of good practice and encourages reflection and discussion of the issues involved. The book pays particular attention to the standards required to gain Early Years Professional Status but is of interest to anybody working in an Early Years setting or studying on Early Childhood courses.




Managing Staff in Early Years Settings


Book Description

This book draws on a wide range of management theory and shows its relevance and relationship to early years settings. Case studies are used to provide the starting point for reflection, and throughout the chapters you are asked to consider the examples, stand back, interpret and audit your own actions in order to develop your management skills. This book will assist managers and prospective managers by providing them with the tools to facilitate staff training sessions or to conduct personal enquiry into the working of their own organization. Chapters cover: leadership and management teams and team building staff motivation managing change selecting suitable staff and effective interviewing staff assessment projecting and maintaining a positive image for your school or nursery managing conflict and stress.




Promoting Emotional Wellbeing in Early Years Staff


Book Description

Though children's wellbeing is high on the agenda for policy makers, the welfare of the professionals looking after them is often taken for granted. Sonia Mainstone-Cotton recognises that in order to enhance children's emotional wellbeing, it's vital that early years professionals are stress-free and emotionally well themselves. This is the first guide of its kind, offering succinct and practical guidance, tips and ideas for those working with young children on how to comfortably manage the pressures of their job, improve their work/life balance, and support the wellbeing of their colleagues. Easy to dip in and out of, this guide is an essential item for any early years staff room.




Building Your Early Years Business


Book Description

For those starting a business in early years childcare, having a passion for the job is important. But sustaining a business successfully takes more than natural enthusiasm. Many childcare businesses struggle due to lack of formal training or confidence in the business world. This accessible and practical guide shows exactly how to develop your organisation, leading to success within the competitive market and ultimately a higher quality childcare service. Jacqui Burke reveals what parents really want from professional early years childcare, and the core marketing, finance and management skills needed to realize these ideals. Studying what businesses have done right and wrong to date, the book includes example activities and market-savvy checklists that clearly show how to analyse your organisation, master day-to-day management, attract new customers, and take your business to the next level. With invaluable advice on how to better the experiences of your children, parents and staff alike, this guide will help you make your organisation stand out from the crowd.




Developing Professional Practice 0-7


Book Description

Developing Professional Practice 0-7 provides a thoroughly comprehensive and cutting edge guide to developing the understanding and practical skills necessary for working within early years education. The new edition is fully updated for the revised Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework. The updated edition covers all core topics associated with developing effective professional practice, including leadership and management, personalised learning and continuing professional development. There is also a strong focus on parent/carer engagement, setting accountability for the lowest attaining groups, the parent/carer and child voice in education, transition, SEND reform, early intervention, and developing leadership at all levels including as a business model. Readers can explore in-depth issues, and take ownership of them, by applying theory to real practice in schools and early years settings. Chapter contents are directly linked to the Early Years Teacher Standards, providing a clear understanding of how the content relates to competencies and allowing readers to reflect critically on best practice. Discussion points and case studies further connect theory to practice and offer a genuinely accessible and engaging introduction to supporting the education of babies, toddlers and young children. This vibrant, dynamic and interactive approach uses examples of real practice, along with a range of additional features tailored to support the reader in developing their knowledge, skills and understanding. Developing Professional Practice 0-7 is essential reading for anyone training to work in the early years, and an invaluable resource for all those already in the early stages of their careers.




BTEC National Early Years


Book Description

A core textbook mapped to the specifications for BTEC National Early Years.