Why are there still so few men within Early Years in primary schools: views from male trainee teachers and male leaders?

One of the challenges facing the Early Years (EY) sector is how to encourage more male practitioners to counterbalance a largely feminised workforce. Using case studies of male trainees at different stages of their primary undergraduate Initial Teacher Training course at one university, we attempt to consider data why there is under-representation of men within the leadership strata in EY settings. Questionnaires and interviews were conducted with the male sample groups and male leaders in primary schools to gain an overview regarding gender stereotyping. Our findings suggest that male trainees enjoy working in the EY sector, but they need mentoring by strong leaders to help them overcome the perceived contextual barriers of male stereotypes in that setting. In conclusion, we consider some of these barriers of stereotypes, attitudes, values, beliefs existing and the actions needed in addressing such stereotypes if a long-lasting change is to happen.     

Raising standards for pupils who have English as an Additional Language (EAL) through monitoring and evaluation of provision in primary schools

The aim of the research is to further knowledge and understand how monitoring and evaluation of pupils who have English as an additional language (EAL) is undertaken in primary schools. This is a comparative study across primary schools using qualitative approaches to help gain insight into current good practice and identify future needs in EAL. Through interviews with senior leadership teams and key coordinators, we explore how structures and systems help to monitor and evaluate provision for pupils who have EAL. The findings of the study indicate a more systematic approach to monitoring and evaluation of pedagogic practice, so that staff in primary schools have a clearer understanding of how to meet the needs of pupils who have EAL more effectively, rather than leaving it to specialist staff. Our conclusion is that staff require training on data analysis to better target learning and attainment for pupils who have EAL.     

The use of Makaton for supporting talk,through play,for pupils who have English as an Additional Language (EAL) in the Foundation Stage

This study examines the use of Makaton, a language programme based on the use of signing, symbols and speech, as a pedagogic tool to support the development of talk for pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL). The research setting was a Reception class with a high percentage of pupils who have EAL in the initial stages of learning English. Observations, questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data to ensure reliability and validity of the conclusions. The findings suggest that Makaton can assist in the development of talk, as the data showed a positive correlation between the use of Makaton and the use of spoken English. This study has implications for practitioners and schools, not only those catering for the specific needs of EAL learners because Makaton® is a skilfully devised programme that is underpinned by the very principles that are documented to support pupils who have EAL.