Early Years Professional Status Impact Study – Final Report: Achieving outcomes in Essex

This three year study aimed to explore the impact of Early Years Professional Status on outcomes for children. The graduate leader status is part of the professionalisation of the Early Years sector and the research occurred between 2010 and 2013. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews and focus groups with members of the early years workforce and documentary analysis of Ofsted reports. Findings demonstrate that the graduate leader is having an important impact on improving outcomes for children against the five areas of being healthy; staying safe; enjoying and achieving; making a positive contribution and achieving economic wellbeing. This is an important study of the value of the graduate leader in the context of changing early years policy.