What Makes a Great Early Years Educator?

Welcome to the Early Childhood Studies programme. Before you begin your studies, we would like you to reflect on your understanding of the Early Years profession and the qualities that contribute to effective practice.

Task

Prepare a short reflection (approximately 300–500 words) or a one-page mind map addressing the following questions:

• What qualities and skills do you think make an effective Early Years educator?
• What experiences, interests, or motivations have inspired you to study Early Years Education?
• What knowledge, skills, or areas of practice would you like to develop during your degree?

Guidance

There are no right or wrong answers. We are interested in your personal perspectives and experiences. You may draw on:

• Your own educational experiences.
• Work, volunteering, or placement experiences with children and families.
• Media, books, or articles that have influenced your thinking.
• Current issues affecting children, families, and education.

Purpose

This task is designed to help you begin thinking about your professional identity as an Early Years educator and prepare for the discussion-based learning that forms a key part of the programme. We encourage you to bring your reflections to the first teaching session, where you will have the opportunity to share and discuss your ideas with peers.

• Monday 14 September
  • 11:00 – 13:30
  • Room DA020

Our induction is designed to introduce students to the Early Childhood Studies programme through interactive, discussion-based activities that reflect our approach to teaching and learning.

Students will have the opportunity to meet the teaching team and their peers, explore the role of the Early Years professional, discuss their pre-enrolment reflections, and engage with activities that connect research, theory, and practice.

The induction aims to foster a supportive learning community, encourage critical thinking, and help students begin developing their professional identity as future Early Years practitioners.

IMPORTANT: Please bring your photo ID with you on this date to complete enrolment.

Week beginning 21 September

• Mondays: 12.00-15.00
• Tuesdays: 11.00-14.00
• Fridays: 12.00-15.00

Full details of your individual academic timetable, including Semester 2 timetable which may differ, will be available via your university email calendar after you have completed the pre-arrival task online and set up your student login.

Our modules are designed to be highly interactive and discussion-based, encouraging students to engage critically with key issues in Early Years Education.

Through a blend of research-informed learning and practical application, students explore contemporary theories, policies, and practices while drawing on real-world examples from educational settings.

Seminars, group discussions, case studies, and reflective activities provide opportunities to connect academic evidence with professional practice, fostering collaborative learning and the development of critical thinking skills essential for working with young children and families.

The ECS team consists of three university lecturers in Early Years Education who bring a unique combination of academic, professional, and practice-based expertise.

Two team members have previous experience within a range of EY settings, contributing valuable insights in pedagogy, care, leadership and organisational development. The third team member is a qualified exsocial worker with extensive experience supporting children, families, and communities.

Together, we are committed to preparing you as future early childhood professionals through teaching, research, and engagement with contemporary issues in education and child development.