By Emma Isles-Buck and Shelley Newstead
(David Fulton, ISBN 1 84312 034 8, 15, 020 8996 3618)
Reviewed by Miranda Walker, playwork trainer and owner of Playtime Out of School Club and ABC Day Nursery in Cullompton, Devon
This book has been written for practitioners working in any type of child-centred setting. it succeeds in being as relevant to nursery managers as it is to out-of-school club co-ordinators, whether they are managing a team of two staff or two hundred. The book will also be beneficial to anyone studying at levels three or four in Early Years, Playwork or Management.
The authors aim to help managers become confident leaders, developing not only an understanding of the management theory presented in the text but also the skills necessary to put the new knowledge into practice. Case studies highlight good practice and bring the theory to life.
The important issues of confidence, vision and reflective practice all have chapters dedicated to them, as do the practical tasks of decision-making, giving feedback and managing organisational change. Team- building strategies are also given, and evaluation processes suggested.
I particularly like the chapter on time management that encourages the reader to focus on their present work habits, identifying how they can prioritise and reorganise existing schedules in order to work more effectively.