ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the skills and attributes which make an effective leader. It explains why leadership is important and provides an overview of some key leadership models relevant to Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). The chapter also presents educators with an opportunity to reflect on leadership in their placement setting, and encourages them to take a reflective approach to developing their skills as a future leader. Effective leadership has been identified as essential to the delivery of high quality provision, and research into Effective Leadership in the Early Years Sector (ELEYS) suggests that strong leadership leads to better outcomes for children. Distributed leadership describes a model of shared responsibility, and is defined in terms of influence rather than power. The catalytic leader recognises the possibility for change, and through a supportive, non-confrontational, reflective process, exerts influence to bring about small incremental changes.
