Summative Assessment: A REFLECTIVE LOG documenting the process of instigating a small change within an early years’ environment and critically evaluating its effect on the staff, children and parents/carers involved, making reference to leadership and management theory.

The log should include the rationale behind the change and the implications to the children, staff and parents/carers.
You should critically reflect upon the strategies and interpersonal skills used to communicate aspects of the change to colleagues, children and their parents/carers

(3000 words) (Weighting 100%) (LOs 1,2,3,4)

Formative Assessment: Opportunities to review plans and a draft entry of the reflective log with tutors will be made available at appropriate times during the module.

The module will introduce you to the main concepts of management theory and human and physical resources management. You will link and critically evaluate general management theories, to the principles of leadership, team building, delegation and motivation. Financial and physical resources will be examined within the context and constraints of the early years setting. You will consider the management of change and the major influences to bring this about.

The learning strategies will require students to commit 150 learning hours of which 30 hours will consist of contact time (3x10).
The teaching strategies will employ a range of methods, including lectures, seminars, one to one tutorials, presentations and case study observations. Peer group discussion will allow students to share ideas and experiences and will encourage reflection and evaluation.

A key aspect of the learning strategy for this module is the direct involvement of employers and work based learning. This is particularly effective as it give students realistic, hands on experiences and develops skills relevant to the employers' needs and students’ career progression.

Multi-media classroom resources, access to peer-reviewed journals in the university library resources, Blackboard

Clark, M.M., and Waller, T., eds, (2007), Early Childhood Education and Care: Policy and Practice, London, Sage Publications
Daly, M., Byers, E. & Taylor, W., (2009) Early Years Management and Practice (2nd Ed,), Oxford, Heinemann.
Lindon, J. & Lindon, L., (2012), Leadership and Early Years Professionalism: Linking Theory to Practice. Abingdon: Hodder
Moyles, J., (2006) Effective Leadership and Management in Early Years, Bucks, OUP.
Rodd, J., (2013), Leadership in Early Childhood (4th Ed), London, Allen & Unwin