INTRODUCTIONThis reflective journal will aim to critically evaluate the effectiveness of establishing planned change within the nursery environment and show the impact this has on staff, parents and child. The author of this reflective journal is currently working as a Senior Early Years Practitioner (SEYP) within the maintained nursery school. Through this role, the author is also a member of the management team, consisting of the teacher and the principal. It is through this management role that the author considers imperative the importance of open communication with the team and other staff when instigating and considering new government proposals and guidelines established by the governors and the headteacher. Daly, Byers and Taylor (2009) explain how, through consultation, support and advice is provided to staff, helping to support the individual's role. However, O'Neill (2003) cautions that impact can only be determined by the engagement of individuals in the process. THE EARLY YEARS SETTING The nursery shares a site with a children’s center and a primary school. A full-time “inclusive” provision is offered to sixty children aged three to four, 23% of whom have special educational needs. Tassoni (2003) defines inclusion as the importance of automatically meeting the needs of the individual. The nursery cohort was found to be predominantly white, with only 5% more proficient in English. The nursery serves an area with high numbers of unemployed or low-paid/unskilled families (BBC, 2010) and high levels of socio-economic deprivation (SED). At 48%, the nursery had a rate of children benefiting from free school meals higher than the national average (DFE, 2011). Additionally, it was found that 61% of ...... middle of paper ...... were inconsolable and sobbing "He hadn't had tea the day before - only a packet of crisps shows the level of need. " By Amelia Gentleman. Reflection After reflection, the author found that although the change had to be made, it had a huge impact on the morning routine, with careful planning and strategies to promote clear communication throughout, negativity was reduced at a minimum. Three stages of change could be found throughout the process, culminating in the restructuring of the day through the successful introduction of the breakfast club which has now become an integral part of the school day. However, while a small amount of negativity was encountered, it was found through concise communication and empathy towards all involved, in addition to clear leadership by example, many obstacles were overcome. overcome, which resulted in a positive result. result.