Emma Davis s looking for participants who are currently employed as a leader or manager in a PVI setting in England.
The research will involve two online interviews in which they can discuss their experiences of leadership, with the aim of building a picture of what leadership in PVI settings looks like today. Contributions will be anonymous and participants will not be named in the research.
Davis told Nursery World, ‘As an ex-leader myself, I'm fully aware of the demands of the role and the statutory requirement for supervisions as a support mechanism for leaders.
‘My research will be exploring the experiences of leaders, considering their access to support as well as development opportunities. There has been limited research on this so it's time the voice of leaders was heard, particularly in the PVI sector which is often forgotten.’
The research will contribute to Davis' PhD at the University of Worcester, which has received full ethical approval, and aims to improve the understanding of leadership in PVI settings.
Her research is influenced by the current landscape within early years. She said leaders faced ‘increasing pressure and responsibility’ in a rapidly changing sector, and have had to contend with a raft of policy developments and government initiatives in recent years, such as the 30-hours, a revised EYFS and Ofsted Education Inspection framework, as well as ongoing issues with funding.
Davis, who was a setting manager for 10 years before leaving to become an education lecturer in 2021, said, ‘Although I loved being a manager, and led my setting from inadequate to outstanding, including a move of premises along the way, I became disillusioned with the lack of support which was especially evident during Covid.
‘Anecdotal evidence suggests that although supervision for all staff in early years is mandatory, this is not the case for managers. This is concerning as the nature of the role means managers are having difficult conversations with families and ensuring children are safeguarded which can be emotional as well as stressful.
‘Also, although it is recognised that investment in the early years is crucial, there is little recognition of the need to understand the experiences of leaders and to invest in their support.
‘This research aims to explore the support that is available to EY leaders, recognising that it is necessary for improved mental wellbeing and staff retention, and for developing a learning community and fostering self-awareness. When leaders are offered support, this can also lead to opportunities for reflection, impacting on the pedagogical approaches of the setting.’
The term ‘leadership’ in relation to early years is complex and confusing, she said.
‘Although leadership is seen as an essential aspect of early years practice, many practitioners in the sector choose to not take on a leadership role due to the low pay and status and the poor working conditions, as well as the stress that the role incurs.'
She explained that the lack of training for those new to the leadership role, means leaders are often unprepared for the challenges ahead, and coupled with the accountability towards stakeholders, the role of the leader in a PVI setting is challenging, diverse and increasingly data driven.
'Despite wellbeing becoming an often talked about concept in the early years sector, the systems to support wellness are still hard to achieve due to time and capacity,' she said.
'The process of EYFS Supervision aims to support practitioners in sharing safeguarding concerns, while also providing a framework for leaders to coach and cultivate good practice. Less is known or understood, however, about the ways in which the leaders themselves are supported to become ready and resilient within their high-capacity positions. It is often assumed that a leader comes “ready-made” with these skills.’
Davis said the research would adopt a narrative approach, giving leaders of PVI settings an opportunity to voice their experiences.
- If you would like further information about how to take part, email Emma Davis at dave33_11@uni.worc.ac.uk