If you are a student or practitioner in the early years sector, you need to develop a rounded understanding of key issues in this fast-moving field. This new and updated edition provides a critical examination of the essential issues in early years policy and practice. With contributions from highly regarded practitioners and researchers, this book accessibly balances theory and practical concerns.
The Sixth Edition has been extensively revised to include:
A new chapter on Child Protection and Safeguarding
Coverage of the new EYFS
Theory and research evidence
A Companion Website, highlighting further reading and current policies and frameworks
You can visit the Companion Website at to view a video from the authors, and also access study materials including:
Points for discussion
Reflective tasks
Further reading
Web links
Introduction - Bernadette Duffy
PART ONE: POLICY AND RESEARCH
The Policy Agenda for Early Childhood Services - Gillian Pugh
Facing Austerity - The Local Authority Response - Linda Uren
International Snapshots of Provision for Babies and Young Children - Sacha Powell and Kathy Goouch
Quality in Early Childhood Education - Sandra Mathers, Fiona Roberts and Kathy Sylva
Inspecting and Evaluating the Quality and Standards of Early Years and Childcare Provision - Brenda Spencer and Jan Dubiel
PART TWO: PRACTICE
Seen and Heard: Exploring Assumptions, Beliefs and Values Underpinning Young Children's Participation - Y Penny Lancaster and Perpetua Kirby
The Early Years Curriculum - Bernadette Duffy
The Tools of Assessment: Watching and Learning - Caron Carter and Cathy Nutbrown
Sure Start Children's Centres - Ann Crichton
The Role of Health in Early Years Services - Kate Billingham and Jacqueline Barnes
Diversity, Inclusion and Learning in the Early Years - Iram Siraj-Blatchford
Inclusion and Entitlement in the Early Years for Disabled Young Children and Young Children with Special Educational Needs - Philippa Stobbs, Elizabeth Andrews and Julie Revels
Working with Parents - Mary Crowley and Helen Wheeler
Safeguarding Children in the Early years - Harriet Ward and Rebecca Brown
PART THREE: WORKFORCE
Training and Workforce Issues in the Early Years - Pauline Jones
Leading and Working in Multi-Agency Teams - Carol Aubrey
