Democratising Leadership in the Early Years : A Systemic Approach / by Margy Whalley, Karen John, Patrick Whitaker, Elizabeth Klavins, Christine Parker and Julie Vaggers.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Notes on the Authors -- Rationale for this book -- Introduction, Karen John -- Chapter 1:-- Applying systems theory to early years leadership, Patrick Whitaker -- Chapter 2:-- Holding the baby: Leadership that inspires and contains ambition and anxiety, Karen John -- Chapter 3:-- Leadership as Activism, Margy Whalley -- Chapter 4:-- Who is taking responsibility? Becoming an authoritative leader, Elizabeth Klavins -- Chapter 5:-- We all have potential to lead because we all have responsibilities, Christine Parker -- Chapter 6:-- Working together or pulling apart? How early years leaders and practitioners can encourage collaborative practice to flourish, Julie Vaggers.

Bringing together valuable insights from research and practice undertaken at the world-famous Pen Green Centre, Democratising Leadership in the Early Years illustrates how settings and practitioners can develop and maintain forms of leadership which foster collaborative practices across and within settings and services. Effective leadership is key to establishing socially inclusive and democratic practices and as such, it has become a key concern for policy-makers, researchers and practitioners in the field of Early Childhood Education and Care. Drawing on authors' first-hand experiences, on systems theory, psychological theory and neuroscience, chapters in this book illustrate the role of highly effective leadership in ensuring that services are accessible, inclusive and innovative. Practical advice will support professionals in overcoming destructive systemic and psychological dynamics to flatten hierarchies, improve relationships, learning and educational outcomes, and to encourage staff, parents, and children to contribute creatively to collaborative enterprises. Accessible and insightful, Democratising Leadership in the Early Years will improve understanding of approaches to leadership and support early years practitioners, students and managers as they develop their leadership skills and build capacity within settings and the wider community.

Also available in print format.