Early years – my passion!
I love seeing the small steps and big leaps that children make at this age, and also how by providing them with love, care and interest we can make a lifetime’s difference even in difficult circumstances
The film on the right gives an example of how I think about early years and supporting families
I’ve worked for over ten years as an early years psychologist, supporting midwives, health visitors, early years practitioners, teachers, families and others to help give children their best start in life through positive relationships and play
One of my proudest experiences was being part of the writing team for the Early Years national practice guidance in Scotland – Realising the Ambition. I’ve also helped create training modules for government and content for Parent Club on learning and mental health
What can I help you with?
Get in touch!
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Training and Learning
Lively, accessible and interactive training events – see below for some trailers!
Coaching and Support
A chance for managers and leaders to take time to reflect, foster their wellbeing, or have a listening ear
Consultation and Advice
Time, space and advice to think through a problem or question, whether big or small
Evidence for practice
Blog posts on the latest research about early childhood, stay up to date with what it means for practice
Training and professional learning
Schemas – the next level
Recent research shows schemas are even more important than we thought
Trauma-informed ELC
Childhood trauma & adversity is common – what can we do?
Covid & the cost of living
How we can support resilience for all our children & families in difficult times
Staff wellbeing
Early years is great work, but hard work – so what about us?
Closing the gap
How early years can be the best time to reduce inequalities
Behaviour!
Behaviour is communication – but what does it say?
Also there is …
- what matters in early learning?
- building attachment through play
- developmentally appropriate practice
- working with babies and infants
- equality & diversity
- neurodevelopmental differences
- emerging literacy and maths
- the image of the child & practice
- executive function and attention
- how to have difficult conversations
- curiosity, confidence & engagement
- family engagement & involvement
Sessions available online to reduce costs, one, two hours or longer – just ask!
Get in touch!
“James has a way of making complex concepts really simple and easy to put into practice”
Setting manager
“Made me look again at what we do – there’s so much more going on than I thought!”
Early years practitioner
Up to date research and practice
The most important concept in early years?
An important education person said to me only this week, “but this early years, we don’t need to wor…
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Are the children ok?
Many people working with young children are reporting the same thing. Children in our settings seem …
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What is this thing called “love”?
What’s not to love about children in early learning and childcare? The things they say, the wa…
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DR JAMES MCTAGGART
MA (Oxon), DipPsych, MSc, PhD
HCPC Registration: PYL01053
