ABSTRACT
In all the many and varied early years settings there is perhaps one common characteristic: a number of adults work together to meet the needs of children. The likelihood of excellent early childhood provision is enhanced by the team’s ability to work collaboratively, and being a member of an effective team is a source of satisfaction and support for many early years workers. The variable nature of settings and the range of people involved mean there is no guaranteed recipe for team success. An effective group of early years practitioners emerges as the result of an investment of time and energy by all concerned. If an effective team is valued as an essential part of quality early years provision, it is necessary to identify how this can be achieved. In many instances too little attention or status is given to either the skills of teamwork or to the process of working collaboratively. This chapter addresses these important areas. It encourages consideration of the role and skills of the early years practitioner and questions how these contribute to the efficiency of the whole team. It places the skills of teamwork in a leadership context, seeking to elevate the status of teamwork beyond a ‘muddling through together’ to a planned, professional activity.
