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November 2025 - Issue 5



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Newsletter

Issue 5 - November 2025


Introduction


Introduction


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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 insights and research-informed perspectives.


It provides a collaborative platform to explore contemporary issues, emerging research, and future directions in the field. We particularly welcome contributions that amplify student voice, practitioner-led inquiry, and collaborative research initiatives. Further information can also be found in this Newsletter. We are also delighted to announce that a collection of student papers will be published soon, showcasing their perspectives on learning, professional identity, and practice in early childhood education.


The wait is over, the shortlist for the Inaugural ECSDN Awards is published!


Eva Mikuska and Jo Josephidou - Co Chairs Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy Group

Formal Invitation: Inaugural ECSDN Ceremony and Reception


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You are cordially invited to a formal reception and awards ceremony dedicated to honouring the exceptional contributions of students, professional practitioners, and institutional settings within the Early Childhood sector. The inaugural ECSDN awards ceremony takes place on the 23 January 2026 at the University of Northampton and tickets are available for purchase now. Tickets cost £20 each and the programme will feature an evening of entertainment, culinary refreshments, and celebratory recognition of the outstanding work taking place in our sector.


Tickets can be purchased here and are limited...so get yours whilst you can: https:// www.ecsdn.org/ticketpurchase. We have also added several other new pages to our awards website including a list of our judges and a shortlist of nominees by category. Visit our awards site here: https://www.ecsdn.org/ecsdn-awards to learn more.


Acknowledgments

The ECSDN extends its sincerest gratitude to all individuals and organizations that submitted nominations this year. Likewise, we are deeply thankful to the network members and executive members who have generously volunteered their time and expertise to serve on our judging panels. A special thanks is reserved for our award sponsors, whose ongoing support is invaluable.


The collaborative spirit, the dedication of our members, and the collective passion for this vital sector are the foundation of our network's success. We sincerely hope you will join us to celebrate the individuals and institutions that elevate the Early Childhood field.

We look forward to welcoming you to this special celebration.


Sincerely,


Tanya and Aaron

 


ECSDN Award: The Shortlist for the ECSDN Inaugural Awards is now published. Congratulations to our shortlist nominees


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Meeting With Department for Education (DfE) to Discuss “Recognising Graduate Practitioners in Early Childhood Education: A Pathway for the Workforce Beyond Teaching.”



We wanted to update you on an important development for the Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network (ECSDN).


Following recent discussions within the Executive, we are pleased to confirm that a meeting has been scheduled with the Department for Education (DfE) to discuss our policy briefing: “Recognising Graduate Practitioners in Early Childhood Education: A Pathway for the Workforce Beyond Teaching.”


This briefing, agreed by the Executive, sets out a clear and evidence-informed case for formal recognition of Graduate Practitioners through the Graduate Practitioner Competencies (GPCs) and the QAA Subject Benchmark for Early Childhood Studies. It highlights how this recognition aligns with the government’s Best Start in Life strategy and supports a sustainable, skilled, and respected early years workforce.


As part of our commitment to openness and transparency, Aaron Bradbury and Tanya Richardson, as Co-Chairs of ECSDN, will publish a blog following the meeting to share key discussion points and next steps with members.


We continue to ensure that the collective voice of our network, representing universities, practitioners, and graduates, is heard at national level, and that we remain central to shaping the professional landscape for Early Childhood Studies. Warm regards,


Aaron Bradbury and Tanya Richardson

Co-Chairs, Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network (ECSDN) NB A copy of the policy is attached to the email link for this Newsletter



Student Feedback Needed for Graduate Practitioner Competencies


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As many of you are aware, the Professionalism and Workforce Strategy group (PAWS), on behalf of the ECSDN, is continuing its review of the Graduate Practitioner Competencies (GPCs).


The purpose of this review is to ensure the competencies remain current, reflect recent sector changes and government agendas, and remain mindful of the evolving HEI landscape. We are also exploring how the competencies align with international frameworks.


Thank you to everyone who participated in our initial survey for HEIs. As part of the next stage of the review, the ECSDN is now seeking feedback from students on the Graduate Practitioner Competencies.


We would be grateful if you could share the following with your relevant students at your earliest convenience


For Students:


The ECSDN is currently seeking feedback from students on the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies (GPCs). This review aims to ensure the competencies remain relevant and reflect recent sector developments and government priorities. We are also exploring how they align with international frameworks. We would therefore be grateful if you could complete the following questionnaire:


⏳ The form will close on Monday 17th November 2025 and takes approximately 10– 15 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for your contribution. This survey is conducted for the purposes of the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network. There is no intention to report on the data outside of the network membership. If you have any questions, please contact:



Many Thanks, Sam Hoyes and Verity Campbell-Barr


 

Survey - Review of Birth to Five Matters


An online survey has been launched to hear views from across the early years sector to guide the review of Birth to 5 Matters (Bto5M). The Early Years Coalition (EYC) is calling for people to get involved to help shape priorities for a new edition of Bto5M.




 ECSDN 9th Research Conference - Invitation to Present Theme: Celebrating Early Childhood Studies Friday 30th January 2026 On-line


The online ECSDN conference provides an exciting opportunity for early childhood researchers to share their findings and ideas.

 

This accessible and supportive conference is open to all institutions who offer Early Childhood Studies degrees and welcomes submissions from undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as early career researchers.


We are particularly keen to invite submissions from Early Childhood Studies students and would invite tutors to encourage, support or consider co-presenting with students who may have interesting work to share. This could include a small group from one HE institution using the 15-minute slot to share their research proposals or encouraging recent graduates to present their dissertation research.


Submissions can be a presentation about one of the following:


  • a research proposal

  • completed research

  • a research-informed position piece relating to a contemporary issue in early childhood

  • findings from a relevant literature review Each presentation will be allotted a 15- minute slot, followed by five minutes for questions. They will be grouped together by theme as appropriate.


Criteria for selection of papers:

  • Clarity of the research approach and/or focus

  • Originality of the research or position piece

  • Significance of the research for Early Childhood Education and Care practice

  • Explanation of ethical considerations where relevant.


To submit your abstract complete ‘Delegate Application for ECSDN Research Conference 2026’ and email: jo7.steele@tiscali.co.uk or admin@ecsdn.org by 5pm on Friday 21st November 2025. Please put ‘ECSDN 9th Research Conference Call for Papers’ in the subject bar of your email. The Delegate Application form can be found on the ECSDN website; https:// www.ecsdn.org/research-conferences/ Presenters will be informed if their abstract has been accepted no later than Friday 12th December 2025



 

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University of Northampton - Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Education and Society (UN5412)


An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the interdisciplinary courses that are within Education and Society.


The University of Northampton are specifically looking for someone with an academic and practice background in Early Childhood and the Graduate Practitioner Competencies associated with this discipline. The post will involve contributing to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and typically involve teaching face-to-face and online.


Wider professional responsibilities will typically include working on Saturdays (generally for student recruitment), twilight teaching, engaging in partnership work with employers, research and enterprise development.


The post requires the ability to involve and liaise with key stakeholders related to early childhood. For further information about the vacancy and to apply for the position please follow the link below; https://jobs.northampton.ac.uk/vacancy/lecturer-senior-lecturer-in-education-and- society-599085.html




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