Academic Matt Alvesson and his colleagues coined the term functional stupidity to refer to the phenomenon where people in an organisation do precisely what is expected of them uncritically and follow the unspoken rules without pausing for thought. In observing such practices, they no longer challenge the rules or conventions because they believe what is … Read more

Here is where I would begin: As you and your child begin to consider starting school you may well feel a wave of emotions. Completely expected, it is a big change. Of course, you want these emotions to be positive but remember it is okay if you have some worries or concerns. Starting school is … 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

It is important to make a good first impression. A familiar saying and piece of advice that is gifted to us us when we head off to meet someone for the first time. There are some of us who believe in first impressions and then there are some of us who do not, more likely … Read more

This is a way to focus your thinking. Finding titles for your ‘noticings’ may be part of your organisational strategy for formative assessment, an attempt to understand more about pedagogical documentation, or a chance to analyse everyday interactions in order to be better informed about the children in your care. This strategy ‘lifts the bar’ … Read more

An anti-bias approach to early childhood education and care is not an add on. It is not a script to follow or a tick box curriculum. In fact, the anti-bias goals were used to create our national frameworks, so they underpin all that we do. An anti-bias approach is the integration of diverse and complex … Read more

The notion of ‘co-researching’ may be causing a little uncertainty around your place. You may have heard that you are being encouraged to try it, but you’re not all that sure what people are talking about! Remembering that the prefix ‘co’ means ‘with’, won’t be much help if you or your colleagues are unsure about the ‘research’ bit!

A question I am consistently asked is “how do I get my team to be more accountable?”. Accountability within an ECEC setting is vital to ensuring a positive and engaged workplace culture, where the growth of its people is considered vital. Services with a high level of accountability tend to have high quality teams that … Read more

And so the day begins.  Another day of watching and waiting for the news that could possibly set a new and unchartered direction for us all.  Every day seems to be just like the last. Today of all days has been the end of a particularly anxious wait for our community.  Another day of uncertainty … Read more

I wonder if you’ve been caught up in the pressure for assessing literacy development? Did that result in ticking off checklists and requiring more group instruction? It’s certainly reasonable to pay attention to whether children are making progress in the building blocks for becoming literate members of the community. That probably means that you’ve noted … Read more