Sue Callan - Böcker

In the early years sector all practitioners are now expected to engage in work-based research, as a means of improving practice and demonstrating leadership. Using examples from recent practitioner projects, this text offers a 'real world' approach to research consistent with models that involve the active participation of children and families. With the aim of clarifying themes and concepts for inexperienced researchers, the text explores ethical principles underpinning research, supported by case studies, which will be of particular relevance to students undertaking their own small-scale investigations. Further reading on research methodology is also included.

Chapters are organized under three headings:

- planning for research;

- doing research;

- learning from research.

This book provides practitioners and undergraduates with a greater understanding of the position of the researcher, how to facilitate research and the way in which research underpins raising achievement and change in the workplace. There is an emphasis on impact of research on practice, illustrated through reflection on the authors' experience of preparing this text.

Sue Callan is an Associate Lecturer with the Open University.

Michael Reed is a Senior Lecturer on the BA Early Childhood Studies at the University of Worcester.

In the early years sector all practitioners are now expected to engage in work-based research, as a means of improving practice and demonstrating leadership. Using examples from recent practitioner projects, this text offers a 'real world' approach to research consistent with models that involve the active participation of children and families. With the aim of clarifying themes and concepts for inexperienced researchers, the text explores ethical principles underpinning research, supported by case studies, which will be of particular relevance to students undertaking their own small-scale investigations. Further reading on research methodology is also included.

Chapters are organized under three headings:

- planning for research;

- doing research;

- learning from research.

This book provides practitioners and undergraduates with a greater understanding of the position of the researcher, how to facilitate research and the way in which research underpins raising achievement and change in the workplace. There is an emphasis on impact of research on practice, illustrated through reflection on the authors' experience of preparing this text.

Sue Callan is an Associate Lecturer with the Open University.

Michael Reed is a Senior Lecturer on the BA Early Childhood Studies at the University of Worcester.

'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.