ABSTRACT
Strong leadership is essential in the early years, especially to support young children's healthy emotional, sensory and social learning. Teams under strong leadership communicate well and are committed to their work with young children and families. Strong, sensitive leaders establish trust within teams. They build resilience in the face of continuous change. This chapter considers effective early years leaders as excellent communicators; trusting of their teams; highly reflective; open to change, viewing it as an opportunity for learning and growth; and committed to helping children develop well through their emotions, senses and social encounters. Early years leaders work within an ever-changing political landscape in England. The chapter emphasises the value of professional talk and discusses how leaders can facilitate this. It explores what research shows in relation to quality leadership and how these findings can support people's work with very young children and their families. The chapter also explores the sorts of leaders that might be needed for the future.
