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May 2026 - Issue 11




Newsletter

Issue 11 - May 2026


Introduction


Introduction


As we move further into the year, the work of the Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network continues to be shaped by collaboration, critical dialogue, and a shared commitment to strengthening our field.


This short newsletter brings together a number of current opportunities to engage with the wider early childhood community, whether through contributing to emerging research, connecting at conference, or reflecting on the power of play in practice.


Best regards,


Tanya and Aaron

 

Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network: Student Publishing Opportunity - 15th Call for Student Papers.


ECSDN Seek Treasurer

Deadline for submission: Thursday 2nd July at 4pm. No papers will be accepted after this time.

 

Please note: We ask the student’s tutor to act as first reviewer by reviewing and selecting only one suitable paper per institution. All papers to be submitted by tutor with student copied in.

 

The requirements for the student publications are as follows:

  • Level 4 Reflection on aspect of practice/ role of the student practitioner: Word limit 1000-1500

  • Level 5 View or commentary on a contemporary issue: Word limit 2000 – 2500

  • Level 6 Report on leading practice underpinned by research or a reflection on the author’s own research: Word limit 3000 – 3500

  • Level 7 Report on author’s recent or current research findings: Word limit 4000 - 4500


Criteria for selection:

  • Relevance of topic or theme in the context of Early Childhood Studies

  • Use of appropriate sources from literature

  • Satisfactory quality of academic writing.

  • For Master’s level submission the work must be based on a small piece of original research (documentary evidence or original data). The submission must include a brief justification of research methodology used.

  • Tutors must confirm with the selection committee that they have approved the submission by signing the application and sending the submission from their university email account.




To submit a paper, please visit the online submission portal at: https://www.ecsdn.org/student-publication-guidance



ECSDN members, are you interested in either presenting or having a stand at the EHU conference being held at Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire?


The date is Wednesday 17 June 2026, 9am to Thursday 18 June 2026, 6pm

If you have a preferred date, please do let Karen Boardman know via email : boardmak@edgehill.ac.uk The deadline is Monday 20 April at 4pm.


The Call for Contributions sets out the different ways you can contribute, from posters to workshops. Contributions on research, practice, partnership are all welcome.


2027 Call for Papers: Putting Babies at the Centre: Pedagogies of Care


This thematic issue will spotlight the relational experiences, caregiving environments, and professional practices that underpin pedagogies of care for babies and infants (birth to two years).


We invite contributions that honour babies’ rights, capabilities, and unique ways of being, and that critically examine how care operates as pedagogy in homes, early childhood settings, and community contexts.





Play Matters : Cardboard Box Day 10th July 2026


There is now a dedicated webpage for Play Matters: Cardboard Box Day, taking place on 10 July 2026.


You can find everything you need here:

This is a simple but powerful national moment for our sector, a chance to come together and celebrate the value of play in its purest form.


At its heart, it’s about stripping things back:

  • A box.

  • A child.

  • A world of possibilities.


We are inviting early years settings, schools, childminders, families, and organisations to take part and share how children engage with something as simple as a cardboard box. It’s a joyful day, bringing everyone together around a shared purpose, championing play.

We’d really appreciate your support in helping to spread the word. Please do share the webpage with your networks, colleagues, and communities, and encourage others to get involved.


Together, we can create something special and highlight just how powerful play can be. It’s also an opportunity to show unity and togetherness which is a positive for our sector.





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