Mary E Whalley has many years' experience in the Early Years sector, both voluntary and maintained, and currently combines work as an independent consultant with the role of lecturer in Early Years at Harrogate College and Leeds Metropolitan University. She has worked as an EYP tutor / assessor since the pilot phase in 2006 and has a particular research interest in the development of the EYP role. Dilys Wilson has been involved in the early years sector for over 35 years, starting out in London as a teacher in early years settings and schools, before becoming a lecturer in a Further Education College teaching on courses for students training as early years practitioners. In this role, she was involved in reviewing and developing early years training programmes at levels 2, 3 and 4 to address the constantly shifting training and early years policy context. With the development of Early Years Professional Status in 2006/7 she moved to Middlesex University to lead the programme where she is currently the Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) programme leader. She has worked closely with the wider early years sector to promote the important role that teachers with Early Years Teacher Status play as leaders of practice with children from birth to five years. Her interest in the emotional factors involved in working with young children and their families informs her approach to teaching and programme development and she has been involved in CPD training for practitioners on supervision and emotional wellbeing. She has contributed to research publications and conference presentations on a range of early years professional practice issues. Denise Reardon, Dilys Wilson and Dympna Fox Reed will be discussing ideas from Early Years Teaching and Learning in Doing Your Early Years Research Project, a SAGE Masterclass for early years students and practitioners in collaboration with Kathy Brodie. Find out more here.
