Implementing Quality Improvement & Change in the Early Years

Michael Reed is a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Early Childhood, within the Institute of Education at the University of Worcester. He teaches on undergraduate and postgraduate courses related to child development, practice based research and leadership.  He is a qualified teacher and hold advanced qualifications in Educational Inquiry, Educational Psychology and Special Education.  He was a member of course development and writing teams at the Open University and an experienced author. He has a particular interest in practice based inquiry and research evaluating ways to improve quality in practice. He has co-edited a number of books including  Reflective Practice in the Early Years (2010), Quality Improvement and Change in the Early Years (2012)  and Work Based Research in the Early Years (2012), all published by SAGE.Natalie Canning is a Lecturer in Education – Early Years at The Open University. Her background is in playwork and social work, particularly in supporting children to explore personal, social and emotional issues through play. She has published a number of articles relating to professional development and the early years and has presented at national and European conferences. Her main research is in the area of children’s empowerment in play and she is currently involved in research on developing children as autonomous learners. She has taught across a variety of Early Childhood undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

′Making a strong case for quality in a time of change, this accessible book challenges assumptions and suggests positive directions for future, high quality, value based and reflective practice′ - Michael Gasper, Early Years Consultant and author of Multi-agency Working in the Early Years

• Introduction - Michael Reed and Natalie Canning PART ONE: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT: PROCESS OR PRODUCT?What Do We Mean by Quality and Quality Improvement? - Michael ReedChildminding: An Essential Part of Quality Childcare in the Community - Michael Reed with Sue OwenQuality Improvement: Integrated Working - Michael Reed and Parm SansoyerReflective Practice Is the Key to Quality Improvement - Karen Appleby and Mandy AndrewsPART TWO: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN ACTIONExploring the Concept of Quality Play - Natalie CanningNow We′ve Got It, How Do We Know It′s Working?: Evaluating the Quality Impact of Technology in the Early Years - Linda TylerImproving Quality: Do Not Forget Creativity - Rosie Walker PART THREE: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT: PROFESSIONAL PRACTICEQuality Matters Because Quality Protects - Claire Majella Richards′Go Softly...′: The Reality of ′Leading Practice′ in Early Years Settings - Rory McDowall Clark and Sue Baylis Parents and Practitioners: Improving Quality - Michael Reed and Alison MurphyImproving Quality in the Early Years, Starting with the Student Experience - Carla SolvasonConclusion - Michael Reed and Natalie Canning