Module: ECS6000-20 Leadership and Teamwork in Early Childhood Settings

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Kitty King

Module Tutor Contact Details: k.king@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

This module introduces you to the principle and theories of leadership as they apply to early childhood settings. You will explore contested understandings of quality in relation to early childhood provision together with competing political and social agendas.  You will be introduced to the concept of ethical leadership. This will include themes relating to setting purpose, the construction of the practitioner and the image of the child.

This module enables you to explore effective ways of leading a pedagogical team with an emphasis on relationship, collaboration and reflection, communication skills, supporting effective communities of practice and developing others. 

In this module you will develop an understanding of the setting as embedded in its particular context. You will explore approaches to working with parents/carers, the wider community and the implications of this for leadership of multi-professional teams.

You will have the opportunity to reflect, analyse and share your own experiences and responses to leadership issues.  The module will provide you with underpinning knowledge and understanding that will constructively support the way in which you work with others. 

2.Outline syllabus

Main contexts, theories and ideas:

• Pedagogical leadership of settings

• Leadership of early childhood settings as an ethical enterprise

• Principles and theories of leadership as they apply to early childhood leadership

• Early childhood settings as embedded in communities and the implications for leadership

• Effective leadership of change and the relevance of setting culture

• The contested nature of ‘quality’

• Developing others

• Working in partnership with families and a multi-professional team

Tutor generated course materials will be provided on Minerva and discussed in conjunction with key readings in the sessions.

Visiting speakers will add a further dimension of reflection and analysis of current leadership practice.

3.Teaching and learning activities

Each seminar will be a balance of tutor input, student centred discussion, group activity and reflection.  Discussion which will develop understanding of themes relevant to the assessments will be an integral part of each session. 

Key reading material for each session will support engagement in discussion of key ideas and theory which will enhance the quality of learning outcomes.

There will be opportunities for critical reflection and analysis relating to leadership, teamwork and collaboration and for students to share and discuss their knowledge, understanding and experiences of practice with others on the programme.

Prior to formal assignments an assignment guidance session will be included in the schedule in which students will work together to develop ideas and approaches to the assignment.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Individual presentation (2500 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 50

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Essay (2,500)

• % Weighting: 50