Colin Slattery

In early childhood education, there are many moments of joy and learning. But, just as in life, there are also moments of challenge and complexity. One such moment is when parents and educators need to discuss a child’s development or behaviour that may be of concern. Whilst these conversations are often difficult for parents to … Read more

In early education and care settings, effective feedback is a fundamental ingredient in creating a positive and productive working environment. It’s a two-way street that doesn’t just occur between educators and parents or guardians, but also among educators themselves and between managers and their staff. This article will explore the process of giving and receiving … Read more

Accountability in early childhood education is an area that often invokes a range of emotions, from trepidation to confusion. It is an integral component of quality assurance processes, yet it remains surrounded by several misconceptions. This post aims to shed light on these misunderstandings and provide practical strategies to debunk them, encouraging a more accurate … Read more

Unlock your leadership potential with the Hogan Leadership Assessment Series. In our latest blog post, we delve into how this comprehensive tool can enhance your self-awareness, guide your career goals, and aid in your ongoing development. Discover how to take your leadership skills to the next level and drive your organisation’s success.

Setting goals is a crucial element in any educational context, fostering an environment conducive to structured learning and growth. It guides learners towards the acquisition of key skills and knowledge while promoting self-confidence and motivation. Moreover, clear and attainable goals provide a sense of direction, facilitating a deeper understanding of progress and achievement.

For teachers and educators in early childhood education and care settings, a strong start to the new year is essential. Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the sector, it is important to set clear goals; prioritise self-care; build strong relationships with parents and families; stay current with best practice and research, and cultivate … Read more

There is a considerable body of evidence detailing the benefits of using our strengths. However, research has also revealed the following: Only about one-third of people can identify their own strengths (Hill, 2001); and Only 17% of people say they use their strengths ‘most of the time’ each day (Buckingham, 2007). So what does this … Read more

Many of our courses and team-building activities have an element of a strengths based approach within them. Why’s that? The research on strengths and their use in the workplace provides a compelling argument as to why organisations could incorporate strengths on a more regular basis. But first, what is a strength? A strength can be … Read more

With the popularity of webinars and other on-line methods of learning, Semann & Slattery is often asked, ‘WHERE IS MY STUFF?’ The ‘STUFF’ usually consists of: Certificates Links to webinars Think sheets – resources NESA hours (for teachers registered in NSW) Here are some tips to make sure you get your stuff delivered to the … Read more

In this blog we will introduce the concept of positive psychological capital and the four key theories that build positive psychological capital (PsyCap). What is psyCap? Psychological Capital can be defined as: “An individual’s positive psychological state of development that is characterised by: having confidence (self-efficacy) to take on and put in the necessary effort … Read more