This book champions the unique knowledge, skills and behaviours of early years (EY) practitioners, and shows how they can exercise individuality in response to the diverse needs of children and their families. Fully mapped to the requirements of the new Early Years Lead Practitioner HTQ, this practical guide offers a reflective and challenging stance to critically evaluate the intentions that underpin EY policy and practice, and considers how to reimagine practice in challenging times to remain aligned with child-centred values. Structured to inspire, chapters delve into six key themes: the educator and developer of children, the custodian, the planner, the advocate, the collaborator and the innovator. It includes critical questions, reflective exercises and case studies, enabling readers to directly apply their knowledge to practice and use this text as a comprehensive, one-stop guide. Embracing Change and Developing Leadership in the Early Years Sector is a contemporary guide for early years practitioners and students. It is an essential resource for the new Early Years Lead Practitioner HTQ qualification.