Kids Planet in research article: Learning from COVID!

Our very own Head of Training and Development, Gill Mason has contributed to a Research Article published in the ‘Taylor and Francis’ online journal: Learning from COVID: Recognising the centrality of relationships in early years practice and research.

The in-depth study was undertaken to understand the impact of Covid-19 on Early Years practitioners, and there are diverse findings following a survey and interview with staff from Kids Planet.

In April 2020, Gill approached researchers at York St John University, requesting a partnership approach to a research project. She was aware that the onset of COVID-19 was a traumatic event.

The consequences would have major implications for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) staff, as they fulfilled their responsibility for looking after the children of Key Workers working for other organisations, such as health and social care services.

Her wish was that findings from the research would help her to create a ‘toolkit’ of techniques and strategies that would support staff in these challenging times.

There are interesting themes discussed in the article including the psychological and emotional impact of COVID and the pandemic as a traumatic event, as well as insight into ethical considerations and the importance of centrality of relationships.

A main finding was the centrality of relationships: the presence of good, supportive relationships was helpful in enabling practitioners to take a positive approach to their work, whereas those who felt isolated were more likely to suffer high levels of stress and anxiety. 

You can read the research article here:

Learning from COVID: recognising the centrality of the relational in early years practice and research

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