Early Childhood Education and Care
Policy and Practice
- Margaret M Clark - Yale University, USA, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
- Tim Waller
'This book is long overdue; it provides effective cameos of developments in each country, highlighting key legislation, the underlying philosophy, the formation of policies and thier implementation in state, voluntary and private provision' - The International Journal of Early Childhood
'This unique resource will be invaluable in helping students and others trying to understand the context of current early years provision. The case studies bring the book to life and ground it in the stories of real children and their families. They highlight how the similarities and differences in support for children and their families are more dependent on where they live than what they need' - Lesley Staggs
Early childhood education and care policy has an impact on the daily lives of early years practitioners and the families and children they work with, and practising and trainee early childhood professionals need to have an understanding of current policy as well as the contexts for policy-making and implementation. Currently, the majority of textbooks for early years education and early childhood students in the UK focus on the situation in England. As a result, readers may have a skewed perspective on policy and practice, and not be aware of the varying and different contexts in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Also, those working in settings not in England have to work hard to apply texts to their own contexts.
In contrast, this book gives the reader easy access to information on the policies and practices in ECEC across each of the countries in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Each chapter covers:
o background information
o policy and practice in early childhood education and care
o transition
o schooling and curriculum
o quality assurance, examination and inspection
o professional development and training
o future and imminent changes
o case studies of children's lives.
In addition to describing the legislatory, political and practical situation in each country, the book enables comparisons to be drawn, and helps readers interpret the data critically.
It will be essential reading for modules on comparative education and international perspectives, but will also form a foundation for all modules involving policy and provision on Early Years Education, Early Childhood or Childhood Studies courses. Practitioners undertaking CPD modules or foundation degrees, and international students looking for comparative data will also find the book useful.
'This unique resource will be invaluable in helping students and others trying to understand the context of current early years provision. The case studies bring the book to life and ground it in the stories of real children and their families. They highlight how the similarities and differences in support for children and their families are more dependent on where they live than what they need' - Lesley Staggs
'This book is long overdue; it provides effective cameos of developments in each country., highlighting key legislation, the underlying philosophy, the formation of policies and thier implementation in state, voluntary and private provision. There is a wealth of clearly presented information in tables, websites, and references, but the map is not sufficiently clear. The many highlighted sections in each chapter are designed to challenge the reader to consider the provision' - The International Journal of Early Childhood
good for extra information around policies may be to in-depth for level 2 however still useful
This is a well set out book, it is very user friendly. It is full of good ideas and insights for learners.
A must read for anyone studying on an earl years foundation degree programme. This book looks at policy and practice in the last decade and is especially an essential read for those researching the current impact of policy on early years provision.
An excellent overview for practitioners. The inclusion of Wales and legislation particulary related to our country is very welcomed. So few books address this and relate only to England. Glossary of acronyms and terminology also very useful. This book will be invaluable across a range of modules.
A really useful text that focuses on Ireland and the UK regions. Great for any element of comparative teaching, which I will be making use of on my module. The notes throughout the chapters guiding the student's reflection on their reaidng is also really useful.
This is a good introduction to early years policy and practice in the different countries of the UK. It is very relevant to the unit and will be strongly recommended to students.
This book gives informatin regarding social policy and a rnage of legilsation. The book will provide support to students who are studying aspects of early years curriculum.
Useful text for learners to link their own practice to theory and legislation/policy.
I have used the text to demonstrate the importance of policy and their role.
