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ECSDN Reflective Blog and Newsletter
Welcome to the reflective blog and Newsletter
The ECSDN reflective blog is a space for members and students to contribute to the discourse of young children, their care, learning and development. You will find our newsletter in the navigation menu below.


April 2026 - Issue 10
Newsletter Issue 10 - April 2026 Introduction Introduction Introduction Welcome to this issue of the newsletter – the first of the Spring term, after the Easter break. We hope that you managed to get some time for rest and relaxation and are feeling suitably refreshed. Just before the break we were very fortunate to hold our in-person AGM, which was hosted at UCB (huge thanks must go to Emma Davis and the team for looking after us!). The AGM is a fabulous opportunity to come
Matthew K, Northall
Apr 177 min read


The Power of Early Childhood Settings in Supporting the Developing Professional
Introduction “Completing the competencies has allowed me to reflect on my values as a practitioner and think about how this will influence my future practice.” Kaitlin Toland – ECGPC Graduate 2023 - Inspiring and aspiring the future early years workforce involves having a unique set of characteristics and dispositions which incorporates promoting best practice. Through shared principles and values, we are able to celebrate and acknowledge the valuable role of the student and
Dr Faye Stanley
Apr 145 min read


March 2026 - Issue 8
Newsletter Issue 8 - March 2026 Introduction Introduction Introduction Welcome to this week’s ECSDN newsletter. The Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network exists to champion the value of early childhood studies as a discipline, to support those teaching and researching within our universities, and to ensure that the voices of our students, graduates and academics continue to shape the future of the sector. Through collaboration, research and dialogue we strengthen the role o
Matthew K, Northall
Mar 164 min read


The Launch of Playful Green Hull by Kerrie Lee University of Hull
In September 2024 the RSA (Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) announce the start of its landmark Playful Green Planet programme which is guided by the principles: For all children: accessible to every single child under 11 and to the early years, community and school settings that support them. Co-creation in place: led by local people and co-created with the strengths and needs of the community, educators and children at the heart.
Matthew K, Northall
Mar 22 min read


February 2025 - Issue 7
Newsletter Issue 7 - February 2026 Introduction Introduction Introduction Well – we have so much to report on. What a busy time we have been having! As you will probably be aware 2026 kicked off with a fabulous ECSDN awards ceremony – the first time we have held such an event and what a success it was! We could not have wished for a better event to celebrate our wonderful graduates. More details of the evening can be found in the body of the newsletter below. Also we have hel
Matthew K, Northall
Feb 163 min read


November 2025 - Issue 5
Newsletter Issue 5 - November 2025 Introduction Introduction Introduction The Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy Group is pleased to invite you to attend our online conference. As previously announced in the last newsletter, we are now welcoming abstract submissions for our upcoming virtual event, taking place on 30 January 2026 . This conference brings together researchers, practitioners, and students to share their experiences as graduates, along with practice-based i
Matthew K, Northall
Nov 20, 20256 min read


October 2025 - Issue 4
Newsletter Issue 4 - October 2025 Introduction Celebrating Progress, Passion & Purpose in 21st Century Sustainability 🌱 A Year of Growth and Impact As the leaves turn and the air cools, the Sustainability Strategy Group is embracing new challenges and exciting opportunities. Angela and Kerrie are celebrating their first year as co-chairs, and it’s been a year filled with collaboration, creativity, and commitment to exploring what sustainability means in the 21st century. Our
Matthew K, Northall
Oct 27, 20254 min read


October 2026 - Issue 3
Newsletter Issue 1 - September 2025 Introduction Welcome to this issue of the newsletter. As always there is much going on behind the scenes from the executive team – all in their own time which they give tirelessly in order to benefit the ECSDN and its members. HUGE thanks must go to them all as the ECSDN would not operate as it does without them. The ECSDN awards are still in the process of being organised and look to be a fantastic night and celebration of all things ECS –
Matthew K, Northall
Oct 13, 20255 min read


September 2025 - Issue 1
Newsletter Issue 1 - September 2025 Dear Members, A warm welcome to the start of a new academic year. There are some exciting...
Matthew K, Northall
Sep 17, 20254 min read


Issue 18: June 2025
Newsletter Issue 18 - June 2025 Welcome to this week’s newsletter. You will see, once again, that significant work has been going on...
Matthew K, Northall
Jun 23, 20255 min read


Issue 17: June 2025
Newsletter Issue 17 - June 2025 Dear all, Thank you to those who came along to the Professionalisation and Workforce (PAWs) drop at the...
Matthew K, Northall
Jun 23, 20255 min read


Post 1 - The Graduands of Liverpool Hope University
Student’s perspectives on the value of the Early Childhood degree The Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector is essential for...
Matthew K, Northall
May 25, 20253 min read


Issue 16: May 2025
Newsletter Issue 15 - May 2025 Dear all, We have been excited this week to begin focus group interviews for our ongoing advocacy...
Matthew K, Northall
May 25, 20253 min read


Issue 15: May 2025
Newsletter Issue 15 - May 2025 Welcome to this edition of the newsletter – we hope that everyone had a nice Easter break. This newsletter...
Matthew K, Northall
May 4, 202511 min read


Issue 14: April 2025
Newsletter Issue 14 - April 2025 We're very happy to share the news that Jo Josephidou (Open University) has recently joined Eva as...
ECSDN
Apr 11, 20254 min read


Issue 13: March 2025
Newsletter Issue 13 - February 2025 Welcome to this issue of the newsletter – that which follows a very successful AGM which was held at...
ECSDN
Mar 28, 20254 min read


The Department for Education (DfE) Release New Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship Guidance
Today the DfE has published the training provider guidance for the new Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeships (EYTDA), marking a...
ECSDN
Mar 24, 20252 min read


Welcome to our level 4 and 5 members
I was fortunate enough to attend the ECSDN AGM on Friday, 21st March, and I found myself nodding as Dr. Mary Moloney spoke passionately...
Deborah Nye
Mar 24, 20252 min read


Newsletter - Issue 11: February 2025
Newsletter Issue 11 - February 2024 Welcome to this week’s newsletter – once again we have been busy behind the scenes to keep the...
ECSDN
Feb 28, 20256 min read


April 2026 - Issue 10
Newsletter Issue 10 - April 2026 Introduction Introduction Introduction Welcome to this issue of the newsletter – the first of the Spring term, after the Easter break. We hope that you managed to get some time for rest and relaxation and are feeling suitably refreshed. Just before the break we were very fortunate to hold our in-person AGM, which was hosted at UCB (huge thanks must go to Emma Davis and the team for looking after us!). The AGM is a fabulous opportunity to come


The Power of Early Childhood Settings in Supporting the Developing Professional
Introduction “Completing the competencies has allowed me to reflect on my values as a practitioner and think about how this will influence my future practice.” Kaitlin Toland – ECGPC Graduate 2023 - Inspiring and aspiring the future early years workforce involves having a unique set of characteristics and dispositions which incorporates promoting best practice. Through shared principles and values, we are able to celebrate and acknowledge the valuable role of the student and


March 2026 - Issue 8
Newsletter Issue 8 - March 2026 Introduction Introduction Introduction Welcome to this week’s ECSDN newsletter. The Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network exists to champion the value of early childhood studies as a discipline, to support those teaching and researching within our universities, and to ensure that the voices of our students, graduates and academics continue to shape the future of the sector. Through collaboration, research and dialogue we strengthen the role o
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