A Literature Review on Leadership in the Early Years

This literature review updates the review undertaken in 2005 by Aline-Wendy Dunlop supported by Colleen Clinton. It is based on key documents, conference presentations, research studies and other relevant data published since 2000.

The review covers:

• definitions of leadership in the early years
• leadership and gender in the early years
• leadership and professionalism
• effective educational leadership - models and key aspects
• the need for training in leadership in the early years
• relating early childhood leadership to the early years of primary school
• the wider leadership literature
• key points emerging from the literature.