Abstract

The ‘Inspiring Foundations’ (IF) Federation of maintained nursery schools is heavily inspired by Reggio Emilia, particularly in relation to working collaboratively with fellow early years practitioners and with professionals in other fields to expand their understanding of unique topics and the opportunities available to families via the bespoke curriculum being used. Facing the challenges of the current economical climate impacts the whole early years sector and IF nurseries are directly affected by changes to national policy along with the retention crisis of early years professionals in the UK. Yet the Federation continues to thrive with the whole team striving to develop further in all aspects of nursery life. The leadership team began to wonder about this, eager to know more about what motivates the teams and how the approach used by IF continues to be sustainable amidst the current challenges. A cross-sectional analysis has been undertaken to understand more about how all practitioners within the IF team perceive the approach being used, their own individual role within this and that of the team. Capturing all voices assists in the ongoing ethical practice of the Federation that encourages continuous reflection. It is hoped that having the voices of everyone within the teams captured in this way will aid leaders in their understanding of what is valued by practitioners, what the motivation continues to be and how they are agents of change within the sector, willing to strive for better in every sense.