Notes

I’ll be sending out monthly Notes as a way to share my current thoughts about childhood, early years practice, and the political conditions that shape them. This is a space for me to share what I’ve been reading, noticing, and wondering about. The Notes are also an invitation for you to pause, think alongside me, and sit with the questions they raise.

Shaddai Tembo Shaddai Tembo

Note #1

Note #1 introduces Critical Early Years Notes and its reflective ethos, while weaving together reflections on Childish Literature, family music-making, social mobility policy, and experiences in Zambia to explore how childhood, care, and power are shaped across reading, practice, and place.

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  • "Specifically, I am coming away from this training with a clear understanding of where and how racism exists for children under 5 and the adults that interact in their learning environment."

  • "I really liked how you emphasised the self-care needed in anti-racist work while also not letting us off the hook - gently pushing us to confront our roles and privileges in racist structures."

  • "You say it is better to try and get it wrong than not try at all, this has stuck in my head since seeing you, and I would like the staff and I to try to do our best for the children we take care of."

  • "I was captivated by your words and your goal to champion diversity in early years and directly face discrimination and how it can be dealt with."

  • "Listening to Shaddai carefully explain key concepts with examples was brilliant. The openness of everyone taking part, including shaddai, made the course a safe place to discuss racism."

  • "It was so great to have you on the panel and you really seamlessly move through the different layers of your content in a nuanced yet accessible way."

  • "Sharing your research and personal experiences added a unique depth and perspective to the discussion, making it a remarkable learning experience for everyone involved."

  • "I firstly wanted to say how amazing and inspirational you are. I am a class teacher at X School and I came away so inspired. I have been sharing lots of the messages from the day with staff since being back in school."

  • "I like the interactive style and the way in which the presenter makes the session accessible. Really thought provoking and interactive."

  • "made me think about how important it is to have conversations with children and staff within my setting. Feel empowered by new knowledge to be confident with challenging adaptations to practice."

  • "You have inspired the students by acting as a role model for resilience and dedication as well as demonstrating first hand alternative routes into the sector."

  • "Speaking from own background and practitioner experience, very informative on social issues. Really thought-provoking, really enjoyed the handouts to take away and focus on in more detail."

  • "Shaddai’s warmth and openness, the way he kindly challenged us to look both inward and outward so as we could reflect as individuals and take practical steps in interactions with the children in setting."

  • "The training was so well-structured and tailored to our work specifically, and it felt like you provided a really open and caring space for talking and thinking about such complicated and difficult things."

  • "I think the mix of talking from our personal experiences, the historical and theoretical context, and practical exercises and discussion was really brilliant."

  • "I definitely feel more comfortable talking about anti-racism and taking action to identify, react to and work against racism in my working life and my personal life as a result of this training."

  • "I felt expertly facilitated to contribute to conversations and particularly appreciated Shaddai’s promotion of the importance of “listening spaces” as well as conversation spaces."