ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to take the reader on a similar journey: progressing from a theoretical perspective of leadership in early years settings, to leadership in practice. It considers the development of collaborative approaches, which characterise working practices in many early years settings; this is frequently referred to as the distributed leadership model. In fact, the essentials of good leadership hinges on the effective and appropriate management of people. Enabling practitioners to develop and grow as leaders is vital for the development of early years settings as effective learning and development communities within the multi-agency/inter-agency framework for the delivery of children's education, health, and care services. The vision for England outlined in the Children and Families Act requires a less fragmented, more 'joined-up' provision of children's services, where early years practitioners work closely with professionals from social, health and educational services.
