Rewriting professionalism in early childhood education and care: A call to collective agency
Fogarty, L and Hoyes, S. (2026) Rewriting professionalism in early childhood education and care: A call to collective agency. Power and Education. ISSN 1757-7438
|
Text
Hoyes_rewriting professionalism in early_2026.pdf - Accepted Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (613kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) professionals in England operate within a system that persistently undermines their status, voice, and agency. This conceptual paper, informed by prior empirical research, introduces a new conceptual framework positioning professional confidence as a driver of change from within the sector. Building on Miller’s analysis of system conditions that constrain professional identity and autonomy (2019; 2021), it reframes confidence not as an individual trait but as a relational, collective force. The conceptual framework identifies five interconnected components – awareness, positive action, skilful advocacy, collective action, and purposeful passion – through which practitioners can exercise meritocratic agency and challenge externally imposed definitions of professionalism. By situating confidence within the broader system architecture, the paper highlights how professional self-definition and sector-led leadership can begin to reshape institutional cultures. It concludes with a call to action for leaders, policymakers, and practitioners to co-create an empowered and self-determining profession.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | Published by Sage in 2026. This is an author accepted manuscript of a published open access article available at https://doi.org/10.1177/17577438261459605. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
| Keywords: | professionalism, early childhood education and care, professional confidence, leadership, collective action, early years |
| Divisions: | School of Teacher Development |
| Depositing User: | Samantha Hoyes |
| Date Deposited: | 02 Jul 2026 09:38 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Jul 2026 09:38 |
| URI: | https://lbro.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/1338 |
Actions (login required)
 |
Edit Item |