Supporting Children s Learning in the Early Years is aimed at early years practitioners who are developing their knowledge and understanding of professional practice through studying at undergraduate level. The book encourages readers to consider their professional development as reflective practitioners, building on and supporting the government agenda to provide quality provision for young children and their families.

Combining theory and practice, and bringing together current research and thinking in a broad range of areas, the book covers:

• Learning environments: young children as learners, assessment of learning, well being and children s rights, diversity and inclusion.
• Learning and development: children s development including social and emotional development, literacy and mathematical development, the potential of ICT, fostering creativity, musical development and knowledge and understanding of the world.
• Reflective practice: the learning environment, safeguarding and wellbeing, the reflective practitioner.

Throughout, the contributions in this book encourage the reader to consider the diverse range of experiences which young children bring to early years and early primary settings and suggest ways in which they can be supported. The book will also be a valuable and unique resource for training providers of a range of courses at further and higher education level that prepare people to work with, and lead in, early years settings in the UK."

Teaching Assistants are uniquely placed to support children's involvement with learning. The role of those who work alongside teachers in the classroom has changed dramatically in recent years and teaching assistants are increasingly involved in planning, teaching and assessing all aspects of the curriculum. This second edition has been thoroughly updated and includes new chapters on learning in gardens, children's play in virtual environments, specialist approaches for children with communication difficulties, the nature of learning at home, the place of poetry, child abuse, learning in a breakfast club, children's spelling, and the importance of playtime. Exploring the issues that are central to fostering children's learning, the book examines: strategies for supporting learning and assessment in English, maths and science inclusive and imaginative practices in all areas of learning home and community contexts for learning working practices which support professional development. Written for teaching assistants and also teachers, the book aims to enrich the contribution that teaching assistants, as team members, can make to children's learning.

Working with Children in the Early Years is an accessible introduction to early years theories, policy and practice, offering practitioners in a diverse range of settings the opportunity to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills for working with young children. This fully updated second edition builds on new government agendas and interests in supporting quality provision for young children and their families. Bringing together current research and thinking in a broad range of areas, it covers:

All contributions are strongly practical and underpinned by relevant theory, and will support students and practitioners studying in the field of early years and early childhood studies as well as those aiming to achieve Early Years Professional Status. The book will also appeal to training providers, equipping them with a valuable and unique source to support a range of early years courses.

Supporting Children s Learning in the Early Years is aimed at early years practitioners who are developing their knowledge and understanding of professional practice through studying at undergraduate level. The book encourages readers to consider their professional development as reflective practitioners, building on and supporting the government agenda to provide quality provision for young children and their families.

Combining theory and practice, and bringing together current research and thinking in a broad range of areas, the book covers:

• Learning environments: young children as learners, assessment of learning, well being and children s rights, diversity and inclusion.
• Learning and development: children s development including social and emotional development, literacy and mathematical development, the potential of ICT, fostering creativity, musical development and knowledge and understanding of the world.
• Reflective practice: the learning environment, safeguarding and wellbeing, the reflective practitioner.

Throughout, the contributions in this book encourage the reader to consider the diverse range of experiences which young children bring to early years and early primary settings and suggest ways in which they can be supported. The book will also be a valuable and unique resource for training providers of a range of courses at further and higher education level that prepare people to work with, and lead in, early years settings in the UK."

Working with Children in the Early Years is an accessible introduction to early years theories, policy and practice, offering practitioners in a diverse range of settings the opportunity to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills for working with young children. This fully updated second edition builds on new government agendas and interests in supporting quality provision for young children and their families. Bringing together current research and thinking in a broad range of areas, it covers:

All contributions are strongly practical and underpinned by relevant theory, and will support students and practitioners studying in the field of early years and early childhood studies as well as those aiming to achieve Early Years Professional Status. The book will also appeal to training providers, equipping them with a valuable and unique source to support a range of early years courses.

Teaching Assistants are uniquely placed to support children's involvement with learning. The role of those who work alongside teachers in the classroom has changed dramatically in recent years and teaching assistants are increasingly involved in planning, teaching and assessing all aspects of the curriculum. This second edition has been thoroughly updated and includes new chapters on learning in gardens, children's play in virtual environments, specialist approaches for children with communication difficulties, the nature of learning at home, the place of poetry, child abuse, learning in a breakfast club, children's spelling, and the importance of playtime. Exploring the issues that are central to fostering children's learning, the book examines: strategies for supporting learning and assessment in English, maths and science inclusive and imaginative practices in all areas of learning home and community contexts for learning working practices which support professional development. Written for teaching assistants and also teachers, the book aims to enrich the contribution that teaching assistants, as team members, can make to children's learning.

This book provides readers working in a diverse range of early years settings with the underpinning knowledge required to increase their effectiveness in working with young children. It will explore a wide range of issues including: the roles and responsibilities of practitioners; developing reflective practice; how children learn and develop; early years curriculum; working with parents and professionals and developing inclusive environments.
- Appropriate for all SureStart Unit Recognized Awards
- Helps students meet the learning outcomes of the "Statement of Requirement"
- Covers the birth to eight age range
- Includes Practical work-related activities and issues for reflection
Combining an understanding of the relationship between practical workplace issues and relevant academic knowledge, this is a core textbook for all Foundation Degree students working in early years education and care. It is also highly relevant for studentsfollowing an Early Childhood Studies degree or B.Ed/PGCE Early Years course.

Extending Professional Practice in the Early Years is aimed at early years practitioners engaged in on-going learning and working in a diverse range of settings. It will be of interest to those undertaking undergraduate and postgraduate training in early years, and those involved in continuing their professional development. It is a valuable and unique resource for those in the later stages of their professional development. The book encourages readers to take a critical stance in relation to a wide range of themes and issues which are reflected in the four parts of the book: - listening to children - diversity and transitions - pedagogy and practice - leadership and change. Throughout the book, authors reflect common concerns such as the rights of children, diversity and a more holistic approach to working with young children, and highlight key research in the field.

With the rapid change experienced by the Early Years Workforce over recent times, this book considers what constitutes professionalization in the sector, and what this means in practice. Bringing a critical perspective to the developing knowledge and understanding of early years practitioners at various stages of their professional development, it draws attention to key themes and issues. Chapters are written by leading authorities, and provide case studies, question and discussion points to facilitate critical thinking. Topics covered include: - constructions of professional identities - men in the early years - multi-disciplinary working in the early years - professionalization in the nursery - early childhood leadership and policy Written in an accessible style and relevant to all levels of early years courses, the book is highly relevant to those studying at Masters level, and has staggered levels of Further Reading, that encourage reflection and progression.