Claire Greenwood - an Early Years Initial Teacher Training Graduate - case study

Claire Greenwood - Transforming Early Years Education Through Innovative Practice

Early Years Teacher at Kirk Hammerton Nursery School and a winner of the BPN Greatest Impact on Setting 2023 Award

Having completed her EYITT training this year, Claire not only emerged as a qualified early years teacher but also received the prestigious Best Practice Network award for "Greatest Impact on Setting."

Claire's achievements reflect her ability to transcend challenges and translate pedagogical theory into practical enhancements that have revolutionised her educational environment.

Claire's journey was characterised by her commitment to translating theoretical knowledge into tangible improvements for her educational setting. One of her notable achievements lies in her adeptness at pedagogical theory, which she seamlessly integrated into actionable strategies. Her success was evident in her initiatives:

• Dialogical Reading Training: Claire spearheaded a staff training initiative on dialogical reading, a technique that promotes interactive and engaging storytelling. This initiative not only enriched children's literacy skills but also fostered meaningful interactions between teachers and students. The training translated theoretical concepts into effective classroom practices, setting the foundation for improved language development.
  
  
• Free Lending Library: Recognising the importance of early literacy, Claire established a free lending library accessible to all families. This initiative aimed at encouraging parents to engage in reading activities with their children outside of school. The remarkable uptake in reading and improved literacy outcomes among children demonstrated the effectiveness of this endeavour.
  
  
• Mathematics Skill Enhancement: Claire demonstrated her commitment to well-rounded development by training staff in subsisting and equipping playrooms with mathematical learning opportunities. By infusing mathematical concepts into everyday activities, Claire empowered both staff and children to develop critical mathematical skills in a fun and engaging manner.
  
  
• Expansion of Learning Spaces: Claire's innovation extended to creating new opportunities for exploration and learning. She trained additional staff members to operate the woodshed area, broadening the access of children to this enriching learning space. This expansion reinforced Claire's dedication to creating an inclusive and diverse learning environment.
  
  
• Transformation of Snack System: Claire's impact reached beyond academics. She restructured the snack system, introducing a new approach that fostered children's independence. This small yet significant change had an immediate and noticeable impact, enhancing children's autonomy and confidence.

Claire's dedication to her coursework was evident in her relentless pursuit of research-based practices. Her ability to transform theoretical concepts into actionable strategies has had a profound influence on her setting. By engaging in proactive initiatives that addressed various aspects of early childhood education, Claire not only uplifted the teaching team but also positively impacted the children and their families.

In conclusion, Claire Greenwood's journey through the Early Years Initial Teacher Training programme exemplifies the power of merging theoretical knowledge with practical implementation. Her multifaceted contributions, ranging from literacy promotion to mathematics skill enhancement, reflect her holistic approach to early childhood education. Claire's ability to overcome challenges and translate her learning into tangible improvements led to her well-deserved recognition in the "Greatest Impact on Setting" category. Her achievements stand as a testament to the transformative potential of dedicated educators in shaping the future of early years education.