Initial teacher education - a sabre tooth tiger curriculum? The evolving role of the teacher in Children’s Centres: implications for changes in initial teacher education

The aim is to inspire educators to instigate change in initial teacher education for students working with children from birth to eight. Initial teacher education needs to reflect the developing role of Early Years teachers and prepare them for the complexities of leading pedagogy in multi-agency teams within Children’s Centres. This paper will include a critical review of recent developments concerning the role of the teacher in Children’s Centres, based on knowledge and experience of working with children’s centre practitioners across the north west of England. We will encourage reflection on the key issues related to leading pedagogy in the context of Children’s Centres. We will consider the implications for teacher educators in preparing their own students to: lead pedagogy with children aged birth to eight; work with families; influence, manage and support a range of practitioners involved in curriculum delivery and extended services; and work effectively in a multi-agency team. Finally, we will touch upon how to prepare students for the emotional issues they may face, such as isolation and retention of their professional identity.