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Weaving the Magic of EYFS:Leadership, Learning and Lasting Change

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Weaving the Magic of EYFS offers school leaders and early years practitioners a powerful blend of research,
practical guidance, and reflective tools designed to transform Early Years provision. Grounded in pedagogy and leadership
principles, this book shows how intentional leadership and purposeful practice combine to create environments where every
child can flourish.

The book explores how to shape an EYFS curriculum that balances joy, play and rigour; lead staff through change with
clarity and compassion; embed truly inclusive practice; translate theory into everyday routines that nurture curiosity and
independence; and build sustainable systems for long-term improvement. Drawing on real-world case studies and the latest
research, each chapter contains practical strategies, reflective tasks and implementation checklists you can use immediately.

Who this book is for

EYFS leads, headteachers, senior leaders and improvement professionals seeking proven approaches to strengthen early years
practice and leadership across settings — from standalone preschools to multi-academy trusts.

Key Details

  • Format: Paperback & eBook
  • Length: Approx. 220 pages
  • Audience: EYFS Leaders, Headteachers, Senior Leaders, School Improvement Professionals
  • Publisher: Evidenced Education Press
  • ISBN: 987-6543210987
Introduction 
Weaving the Magic: Purpose, Passion and Possibility in the EYFS 
Over the last thirty years, one truth has stayed with me: no Early Years practitioner sets out to do a poor job. Quite the opposite. I’ve met educators brimming with passion, but often paralysed by mixed messages, overwhelmed by directives, confused by Ofsted horror stories, and left adrift by conflicting messages about what they must or must not do. This often leads to anxiety, confusion, a lack of direction — and sometimes, a complete missing of the main purpose: the children.
This book is here to change that.
It is for those who are ready to clear the mist, reflect deeply, and reconnect with the purpose and joy of EYFS practice. Whether you’re just beginning your training or decades into your leadership journey, this is an invitation to slow down, think hard, and grow wisely.
You won’t just hear from me. You’ll hear the voices of practitioners in the field, child development theorists, and evidence-informed practice. You’ll see real-world strategies drawn from schools, settings, and research—and woven together to create a model that is both powerful and practical.
My Purpose 

I believe leadership is not defined by status, role, or visibility—but by the ability to leave others better because of your presence, and even stronger in your absence. Sheryl Sandberg (Ref 24.2.23.) she said “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure your impact lasts in your absence” 
This book, and the work behind it, is grounded in that belief. Every chapter, every reflection, and every woven thread of practice is offered with the intention of strengthening others—educators, children, families—through clarity, care, and purpose.
It is not about being perfect, but about being intentional. Not about control, but about co-construction. To lead in EYFS is to make magic visible—and to make it last.
A Co-Created Approach 
This book wasn’t written in isolation. It was co-created alongside colleagues in schools and settings who helped shape its ideas and test them in real time. It reflects shared lightbulb moments, professional conversations, and the joy of seeing change take root. Their names, and those of their schools, are acknowledged at the end of this book.
For those who know me, you’ll know there’s nothing I love more than diving into research papers and unpicking the “how” and “why” behind educational theory—what we now often call evidence-informed practice. But more than just gathering theory, my passion lies in translating it into something meaningful and practical. This book is not written from an ivory tower of research, but from the messy, magical, co-constructed world of practice.
Every insight here has been tested, challenged, and enriched alongside practitioners working on the ground—teachers, key workers, leaders—whose real-life wisdom makes the research live and breathe. It is in that partnership, between theory and lived experience, that the richest understanding emerges.
Although it’s written with Headteachers, Trust Leaders and EYFS Leads in mind, it speaks to anyone who holds early years in their heart. Because the EYFS isn’t “just” early education—it’s the foundation of everything.
What is This Book About? 
At heart, I am an infant teacher. I use simplicity and imagery to articulate the highly complex processes that lie at the heart of Early Years education.
It is a world that can never be underestimated — a world requiring deep talent, consideration, and thoughtful care. It runs on professional love; pay and working conditions are often in stark contrast to the incredible complexity of the work being undertaken daily with young children.
Within this book, I aim to:
  • Draw attention to that complexity,
  • Build your awareness of how much you already know,
  • Support you in questioning your practice, your team, and your leaders,
  • Deepen your thinking and reflection,
  • Develop a shared language and a shared understanding of the EYFS.
At the the time of writing, this book aligns with the Early Years Statutory Framework for England and the best guidance available, but its purpose is broader — to be a timeless tool for reflection and improvement.
Why a Tapestry? 
In my own headship, I was lucky enough to hear Sir John Jones speak about leadership as “Magic weaving.” His words stayed with me through the toughest days and shaped how I understood the complexity of school life: the threads of care, curriculum, people, systems, and relationships—all needing constant attention and balance.
This metaphor sparked something deeper. As my leadership evolved, and as I lived and breathed EYFS more fully, I saw that our work is not magic in itself—but as leaders we do hold the loom, as practitioners we create the warp, the waft and the shed.
The magic of course is in the children.
We simply weave the space where it can flourish.
So, this book is structured like a tapestry:
  • The loom: our leadership, systems and strategy and the external influences that affect the strength of the environment where the children are.
  • The warp: is strong the vertical threads of subject progressions entwind with child development that is the subjects of the curriculum which form to make a wholistic structure on which the children create the magic. The warp strands need annual tightening and review to hold the power of the magic.
  • The weft: are the supports structures required to get depth in play or provision
  • The shed: is the oxygen of the loom, without it none of the other components can work. The shed is the welfare and care and professional love. Without this the other elements dont work.
  • The header, knots and tassels assessments and tracking along the way in the warp measuring progress. They are not standalone they are the curriculum in action. having a healthcheck for effectiveness in learning and ultimately teaching.
  • And finally, the patterns we create and the tapestry itself—the legacy we leave and the future we shape.
How to Use This Book 
Each chapter is built in short, reflective sections, perfect for real life. You might read it while hiding in the staff toilet for five minutes of peace, or over a coffee at the start of an SLT meeting.
Each chapter closes with questions to support team discussion and self-evaluation, helping you connect theory to action.
Just as a loom holds the threads in tension to shape a tapestry, these indicators hold high expectations that honour both care and curriculum.
And so, to the children yet to come: the ones I hope to influence remotely through this book,
May your early years be filled with wonder, joy, and freedom.
And may those of us entrusted with your care continue to weave the magic you already carry within.

Description

Customer Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Finally — a leadership book written with Early Years in mind.”


“So many texts focus on primary or secondary. This one really speaks to the heart of EYFS leadership. It’s practical,
realistic, and inspiring.”
 — Laura M., EYFS Lead

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Transformed how we think about early years provision.”


“We used the reflective tasks in staff meetings and they have completely shifted the way our team talks about play,
progress, and practice. Every school should have a copy.”
 — Mark D., Headteacher

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Both visionary and practical.”


“It balances the big picture of change with step-by-step strategies. I especially valued the sections on leading staff
through uncertainty.”
 — Priya K., Deputy Headteacher

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Empowering for leaders and practitioners alike.”


“I expected this to be quite academic, but it’s very readable and full of ideas you can try straight away. Our EYFS staff
feel more confident and motivated.”
 — Helen S., MAT EYFS Advisor

Additional information

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Format

eBook – Download, Printed – Posted