Leading an early years childcare setting

Leadership is about being able to inspire others, having a clear vision, thinking creatively, having a problem-solving approach to difficulties, and a commitment to partnership working. In the early years sector it's about leading others, learning, and innovating in ways that are practical and creative.

As a registered early years provider, you need to keep up to date with relevant changes in national and local requirements so you meet the Childcare Act 2006 and associated regulations.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework sets the standards for the care and education of children in the early years age range. It covers the requirements for children until the 31 August following their fifth birthday across:

• learning
• development
• assessment
• safeguarding
• welfare requirements

Importance of effective leadership

The importance of strong and effective leadership to achieve a good or outstanding Ofsted rating can be seen in their report about achieving and maintaining high quality early years provision.

The early years inspection handbook includes details of how early years providers are inspected and judged.

Leading others

For your childcare business to be successful, you need to recognise the potential of each person. It's important to have clear objectives, creativity, to have confidence, be self-critical and to be supportive to others.

Leading a team involves creating a 'can do' culture - taking calculated risks and demonstrating that learning from mistakes is acceptable, rewards success, and develops personal accountability that's supported by collective responsibility.

Staff recruitment

Recruitment in the early years workforce is a vital area with regards to safeguarding, learning and development. The keeping children safe in education guidance supports providers to make sure they recruit suitable staff members. Read more about staffing and recruitment.

Support for managers

Managing a team can be a challenge at times and in particular circumstances, but there's help available. ACAS provides information, advice, training, conciliation and other services for employers and employees to help prevent or resolve workplace problems.