This book provides an overview of current practice, policy, and research in early childhood education across the UK. It brings together chapters on all core aspects of early years education and spotlighting vital new areas - each written by established and emerging stars in the field. Each chapter features: * an overview of research in the field * critiques of relevant policy * examples from current practice * an agenda for the future * suggestions for further reading and resources. This text is an accessible and comprehensive read for students and practitioners in the early years sector alike. Cathy Nutbrown is Professor of Education at the University of Sheffield and President of Early Education

By bringing together research evidence on effectively supporting parents to engage with their children's early learning, and the role of education professionals in developing partnerships with families, this book focuses on partnerships between professionals and parents to enhance family learning for young children in literacy and other aspects of early learning. The move towards setting, home-based, and online learning has accelerated, and it is important for both students and practitioners to value parents' roles in their young children's learning; to consider how parents can support young children's learning in these scenarios, and how to apply this in practice with children aged birth to five. Through a wealth of case studies from real experience, the authors showcase an inspiring range of inclusive projects and approaches with families, including marginalised groups such as bilingual learners, fostering families, and families identified as 'vulnerable' including imprisoned fathers and children with specific learning needs.

This book provides an overview of current practice, policy, and research in early childhood education across the UK. It brings together chapters on all core aspects of early years education and spotlighting vital new areas - each written by established and emerging stars in the field. Each chapter features: * an overview of research in the field * critiques of relevant policy * examples from current practice * an agenda for the future * suggestions for further reading and resources. This text is an accessible and comprehensive read for students and practitioners in the early years sector alike. Cathy Nutbrown is Professor of Education at the University of Sheffield and President of Early Education

'This book would interest and inform any practitioner from managers to students.'- Early Years Update

'A 'must buy' for anyone interested in inclusive education in the early years' - SENCO Update

'Refreshingly, in this book, inclusion is not about a narrow group of students defined as 'special' but about increasing the participation of everybody involved in early years settings.' - Tony Booth, Professor of Inclusive and International Education Canterbury Christ Church University

'Fascinating reading ... I will be recommending this book to colleagues and adding it to my essential reading list for students' - Nursery World

'A very helpful book which both challenges and informs... It] brings together important evidence to help us find a positive way forward' - Early Education

'Well-written and accessible... The book is rich with the reported experiences and ideas of educators and provides clear pointers for further research and discussion.' - Support for Learning

This insightful text shows how practices in a range of early years settings can be influenced by the attitudes and responses of adults in those settings. The authors argue for a broad definition of inclusion, not limited to those with learning difficulties or impairment, but addressing factors affecting all members of the learning community. The book presents a number of original stories (generated from a recent research project carried out by the authors) of how the lives of practitioners, parents and children have been affected by inclusive and non- inclusive practices.

This new and revised edition includes an increased focus on:

"inclusion as a political issue

"social class

"poverty

"children's rights

"the inclusion of gay and lesbian parents and staff

This is an essential text for all early years students, practitioners and researchers who want to become familiar with current research into inclusion and to develop ways of drawing on such studies to inform and develop their own inclusive practices.

This accessible introduction to the history of early childhood education emphasises the role of history and philosophy in early childhood practice today. Firmly grounded in current policy from across the UK, the text features a series of imagined conversations with key figures and pioneers, which exemplify various philosophical positions in early childhood. This second edition has been fully updated and revised in line with recent policy changes, and contains new and updated biographies of key pioneers as well as three brand new conversations with historical figures.

The book is useful for a range of students of Early Childhood Education or History of Education, from first year undergraduates to PhD students. It will also be incredibly valuable to Early Years trainee teachers, practitioners and policy makers.

By bringing together research evidence on effectively supporting parents to engage with their children's early learning, and the role of education professionals in developing partnerships with families, this book focuses on partnerships between professionals and parents to enhance family learning for young children in literacy and other aspects of early learning. The move towards setting, home-based, and online learning has accelerated, and it is important for both students and practitioners to value parents' roles in their young children's learning; to consider how parents can support young children's learning in these scenarios, and how to apply this in practice with children aged birth to five. Through a wealth of case studies from real experience, the authors showcase an inspiring range of inclusive projects and approaches with families, including marginalised groups such as bilingual learners, fostering families, and families identified as 'vulnerable' including imprisoned fathers and children with specific learning needs.

'The first edition of this book set a milestone in writing about under threes. This second edition builds on that great achievement: its thinking about loving interactions in nurseries marks it out for its bravery and profound importance for a new generation of practice'
-Peter Elfer, University of Roehampton

'The authors skilfully interlace theory and practice, foregrounding an ethic of respect and prompting critical reflection and dialogue'
-Dr Sacha Powell, Reader in Early Childhood, Canterbury Christ Church University

'This clear, authoritative and scholarly book is informed by the authors' huge respect and affection for young children and those who work with them. A must-read'
-Helen Moylett, Early Learning Consultancy

This book is essential for all who work with children under three. Due to its combination of theory and practice, clear writing and pedagogical material. The second edition contains extensive updates on policy, new case studies, and activities from current settings.

This revised edition emphasises:

-child development and learning

-attachment/key person relationships

-planning the environment for babies

-understanding every child

-working with parents

This book will be useful to those on initial training courses, such as Foundation degrees, NVQ, BA Education and Early Childhood Studies, and for managers and practitioners undertaking CPD.

Jools Page teaches on the MA in Early Childhood Education at the University of Sheffield.

Ann Clare is an Associate Tutor at the University of Sheffield.

Cathy Nutbrown is Head of the School of Education at the University of Sheffield.

Early Education, internationally, is the focus of much challenge and debate. Various approaches to teaching young children are being developed and advocated, but the focus is often on curriculum content with the processes of learning as a secondary issue. The most important consideration in early education is the way in which young children learn. Their transferable skills of communication, collaboration and investigation can underpin all aspects of learning. These elements form the main focus of work in a group of pre-schools in an area of Northern Italy which has earned an international reputation for innovative practice and pedagogy.
The experience of Reggio Emilia, in providing challenges to accepted approaches to early childhood education in many countries, is widely acknowledged. Since 1963, when the Italian municipality of Reggio Emilia began setting up its network of educational services for 0-6 year olds, the 'Reggio Approach' has gained worldwide recognition. Numerous visitors have been impressed by the acknowledgement given to the potential of children, the organisation and quality of the environments created, the promotion of collegiality and a climate of co-participation of families in the educational project.
This book reflects the impressions and experiences of the Reggio Emilia approach gained by a range of early childhood educators following a study visit to the region. It focusses on key issues such as staffing, training, working with parents, play, learning, the culture of early childhood, and special educational needs, from a variety of perspectives and will provide a welcome challenge to thinking for both practitioners and policy makers.

'The first edition of this book set a milestone in writing about under threes. This second edition builds on that great achievement: its thinking about loving interactions in nurseries marks it out for its bravery and profound importance for a new generation of practice'
-Peter Elfer, University of Roehampton

'The authors skilfully interlace theory and practice, foregrounding an ethic of respect and prompting critical reflection and dialogue'
-Dr Sacha Powell, Reader in Early Childhood, Canterbury Christ Church University

'This clear, authoritative and scholarly book is informed by the authors' huge respect and affection for young children and those who work with them. A must-read'
-Helen Moylett, Early Learning Consultancy

This book is essential for all who work with children under three. Due to its combination of theory and practice, clear writing and pedagogical material. The second edition contains extensive updates on policy, new case studies, and activities from current settings.

This revised edition emphasises:

-child development and learning

-attachment/key person relationships

-planning the environment for babies

-understanding every child

-working with parents

This book will be useful to those on initial training courses, such as Foundation degrees, NVQ, BA Education and Early Childhood Studies, and for managers and practitioners undertaking CPD.

Jools Page teaches on the MA in Early Childhood Education at the University of Sheffield.

Ann Clare is an Associate Tutor at the University of Sheffield.

Cathy Nutbrown is Head of the School of Education at the University of Sheffield.

In her new edition of this popular book, Cathy Nutbrown presents evidence of continuity and progression in young children's thinking. She shows, with detailed observation, that they are able and active learners. She considers aspects of children's patterns of learning and thinking - or schemas - and demonstrates clearly how children learn in an active, dynamic and creative way. This book makes schema theory explicit in practice. Supported by numerous detailed examples and the discussion of difficult theoretical issues, it illustrates children's learning in areas such as literacy, maths and science. This new edition includes: - discussion on the need for professional development - changes in early years pedagogy - more discussion of theories of learning in relation to curriculum and teaching practices - new examples of children's drawings - new suggestions for using stories to support schemas. Threads of Thinking is for early years practitioners who wish to support and develop children's learning. Professor Cathy Nutbrown is Director of Studies in Early Childhood Education at the University of Sheffield.

The Third Edition of this hugely popular text provides students with straightforward principles and frameworks for understanding methodology. Peter Clough and Cathy Nutbrown are adept at making methodology meaningful for beginners and more advanced readers alike. Their book clearly demonstrates how methodology impacts upon every stage of the research process, and gives readers all of the tools that they need to understand it. New to this edition are the following: - new boxes and guidance on research ethics in every chapter - more international examples and perspectives - up to date coverage of online research methods - more examples from real students - a new companion website, featuring Powerpoint slides for lecturers The authors take an applied approach and every chapter contains a variety of practical examples from real research. Readers are encouraged to reflect on their own practice at every step, meaning that the book remains extremely relevant throughout. It will be invaluable for all students who are doing a dissertation or taking a research methods module in education, the social sciences, business and health.

The 'Raising Early Achievement in Literacy' or REAL project was the result of a collaboration between the University of Sheffield, Sheffield LEA and schools and centres across the city of Sheffield, starting in 1995. For those interested in developing their own projects in this field it will provide essential information. It contains many examples of work carried out this in this project.

Many examples are given that could prompt practitioners to identify ways in which they too could focus their own input with children or help their parent group to interact with their children's developing literacy'" - Early Years Update

"

A "must read" for practitioners, policy makers and researchers interested in the detail and the theory underpinning this important family literacy initiative' - "Neil McClelland OBE, Director, National Literacy Trust

"

The REAL Project is one of the best conceptualized, most intensively documented and successful British family literacy initiatives and the book provides a comprehensive overview of all aspects of this powerful project. It is essential reading for anyone working alongside families to promote children's early development' - "Professor Nigel Hall, Institute of Education, Manchester Metropolitan University

"'The project described in detail in this book is arguably the most important and well-researched UK initiative for developing early literacy work with parents of young children.

...

Readers will find inspirational case studies ... There are illuminating insights into children's perspectives on family literacy, including good news about fathers and boys.

...

Don't miss it!' - "Marian Whitehead, Nursery World

"

Anyone involved in the field of early-childhood literacy should be familiar with the work of the REAL (Raising Early Achievement in Literacy) Project. Here, leading members of the project team Cathy Nutbrown, Peter Hannon and Anne Morgan, discuss the research. An essential guide to the subject, this book will be of great practical use to all in the field of early childhood literacy: students, practitioners and course leaders on literacy and early childhood courses.

The authors discuss the policy contexts of early-childhood and literacy today and use their experience of the REAL project to discuss and illustrate practical research and evaluation strategies for family literacy workers. They examine the issues from all perspectives: teachers, parents and young children. The book concludes with examples of how the theoretical framework of the REAL Project (ORIM) has been used by other practitioners and an examination of the implications of such work for the future of early-childhood and literacy policy development.

The book also includes:

- An informative update on research in the field

- A description of the family literacy programme

- Useful activities for family literacy work

- Guidelines for interviewing parents and children

- Suggestions for how to evaluate family literacy work

- Ideas for practical sessions for professional development for family literacy workers

- A Guide to further reading

This is an important book and should be read by anyone wishing to keep pace with the field of family literacy in early childhood education.

This text is recommended unreservedly; it should be on the bookshelves of all early childhood workers' - "Curriculum

"

This book focuses attention on current early childhood issues and examines them in the light of the United Nations Convention for the Rights of the Child. The book stresses the importance of national policy and highlights the responsibilities of all adults who work with children, in terms of enabling children to realize their rights. Practical issues are addressed, drawing on relevant theory and current research from the United Kingdon and overseas.

`This book examines the literacy development and assessment of children before the age of five years. It is highly relevant to all those professionally involved in assessment. Cathy Nutbrown explores the need for appropriate assessment practice to support teachers and illustrates the mismatch between the way teachers and researchers assess literacy. The book is worth buying for the final chapter alone, which provides an analysis of the newly developed Sheffield Early Literacy Development Profile. The actual tasks are included in the appendices. Thus, Cathy Nutbrown does not leave us frustrated. We are able to consider an ongoing assessment which is in tune with the best practice in teaching. This is a research text which balances theory with practical realism. It is particularly relevant today with the introduction of Baseline Assessment. Teachers and researchers will find much that they can relate to and learn from. It is clearly written and deserves to be widely read. However, it may make for uncomfortable reading as Cathy Nutbrown challenges all concerned with the assessment of early literacy development to reflect on exactly what they are doing and why' - British Educational Research Recognising Early Literacy Development presents a new view of the many purposes of assessment in early literacy development. Issues in early literacy assessment, current assessment material, the purposes of literacy assessment, government policy, practice in schools, baseline assessment of literacy, the need for new research measures of early literacy, are all recurrent themes of the book. The author reviews and discusses three decades of policy and practice in assessing literacy development in the years 3 to 5 - from recognising in the late 1960s that literacy in these years exists, to proposals in 1997 for official assessment of literacy at 5 years.

Early Childhood educational research is a constantly evolving field. This book brings together Cathy Nutbrown's considerable knowledge and expertise in the field, to deliver a comprehensive and critical overview of national and international research. The strengths of various types of research, and their influence on theory, policy and practice, are identified along with new and emerging research areas, and anticipated future topics and patterns of research. Through an analytical discussion of research topics addressing Children, Adults and Pedagogy, these key areas are highlighted: - Issues in research design - Types of and trends in methodological approaches - The ethics of research With digestible chapter introductions, thinking points and suggestions for research or dissertation topics, readers are also able to locate their own work in an international landscape. This is the perfect 'go to' resource for all early childhood education and social science researchers. Cathy Nutbrown will be discussing ideas from Early Childhood Educational Research in Doing Your Early Years Research Project, a SAGE Masterclass for early years students and practitioners in collaboration with Kathy Brodie.

Providing a deeper understanding of how two-year-old children learn, Understanding Schematic Learning at Two highlights how a schematic pedagogy can be used to recognise and support two-year-old children's thinking and understanding of the world around them. Over a 16-week period four children's individual experiences and stories are constructed, providing detailed written and photographic evidence of the unfolding schematic learning journeys of each. Following the children from nursery setting to their home environments, readers gain a greater understanding of how, even at such a young age, children are intrinsically motivated to select resources from the environment to support their schematic pursuits. The book focuses on the importance of an appropriate environment and informed pedagogy to support two-year-old children's schematic explorations and the significant role adults play in developing these. Beginning by highlighting the important links between learning opportunities, environment and the role of the adults, Brierley and Nutbrown briefly trace the origins of schema and provide an overview of some definitions and characteristics of schemas. This leads to an exploration of how the early years landscape has been influenced through a research, practice and government policy initiatives, concluding that future focus must foreground how children learn. Understanding Schematic Learning at Two highlights how recognising and valuing young children's schemas can provide their supportive adults with the opportunity and ability to acknowledge two-year-old children's capability to actively construct and develop an understanding of the world they live in.

Early Childhood educational research is a constantly evolving field. This book brings together Cathy Nutbrown's considerable knowledge and expertise in the field, to deliver a comprehensive and critical overview of national and international research. The strengths of various types of research, and their influence on theory, policy and practice, are identified along with new and emerging research areas, and anticipated future topics and patterns of research. Through an analytical discussion of research topics addressing Children, Adults and Pedagogy, these key areas are highlighted: - Issues in research design - Types of and trends in methodological approaches - The ethics of research With digestible chapter introductions, thinking points and suggestions for research or dissertation topics, readers are also able to locate their own work in an international landscape. This is the perfect 'go to' resource for all early childhood education and social science researchers. Cathy Nutbrown will be discussing ideas from Early Childhood Educational Research in Doing Your Early Years Research Project, a SAGE Masterclass for early years students and practitioners in collaboration with Kathy Brodie.

The 'Raising Early Achievement in Literacy' or REAL project was the result of a collaboration between the University of Sheffield, Sheffield LEA and schools and centres across the city of Sheffield, starting in 1995. For those interested in developing their own projects in this field it will provide essential information. It contains many examples of work carried out this in this project.

Many examples are given that could prompt practitioners to identify ways in which they too could focus their own input with children or help their parent group to interact with their children's developing literacy'" - Early Years Update

"

A "must read" for practitioners, policy makers and researchers interested in the detail and the theory underpinning this important family literacy initiative' - "Neil McClelland OBE, Director, National Literacy Trust

"

The REAL Project is one of the best conceptualized, most intensively documented and successful British family literacy initiatives and the book provides a comprehensive overview of all aspects of this powerful project. It is essential reading for anyone working alongside families to promote children's early development' - "Professor Nigel Hall, Institute of Education, Manchester Metropolitan University

"'The project described in detail in this book is arguably the most important and well-researched UK initiative for developing early literacy work with parents of young children.

...

Readers will find inspirational case studies ... There are illuminating insights into children's perspectives on family literacy, including good news about fathers and boys.

...

Don't miss it!' - "Marian Whitehead, Nursery World

"

Anyone involved in the field of early-childhood literacy should be familiar with the work of the REAL (Raising Early Achievement in Literacy) Project. Here, leading members of the project team Cathy Nutbrown, Peter Hannon and Anne Morgan, discuss the research. An essential guide to the subject, this book will be of great practical use to all in the field of early childhood literacy: students, practitioners and course leaders on literacy and early childhood courses.

The authors discuss the policy contexts of early-childhood and literacy today and use their experience of the REAL project to discuss and illustrate practical research and evaluation strategies for family literacy workers. They examine the issues from all perspectives: teachers, parents and young children. The book concludes with examples of how the theoretical framework of the REAL Project (ORIM) has been used by other practitioners and an examination of the implications of such work for the future of early-childhood and literacy policy development.

The book also includes:

- An informative update on research in the field

- A description of the family literacy programme

- Useful activities for family literacy work

- Guidelines for interviewing parents and children

- Suggestions for how to evaluate family literacy work

- Ideas for practical sessions for professional development for family literacy workers

- A Guide to further reading

This is an important book and should be read by anyone wishing to keep pace with the field of family literacy in early childhood education.

Providing a deeper understanding of how two-year-old children learn, Understanding Schematic Learning at Two highlights how a schematic pedagogy can be used to recognise and support two-year-old children's thinking and understanding of the world around them. Over a 16-week period four children's individual experiences and stories are constructed, providing detailed written and photographic evidence of the unfolding schematic learning journeys of each. Following the children from nursery setting to their home environments, readers gain a greater understanding of how, even at such a young age, children are intrinsically motivated to select resources from the environment to support their schematic pursuits. The book focuses on the importance of an appropriate environment and informed pedagogy to support two-year-old children's schematic explorations and the significant role adults play in developing these. Beginning by highlighting the important links between learning opportunities, environment and the role of the adults, Brierley and Nutbrown briefly trace the origins of schema and provide an overview of some definitions and characteristics of schemas. This leads to an exploration of how the early years landscape has been influenced through a research, practice and government policy initiatives, concluding that future focus must foreground how children learn. Understanding Schematic Learning at Two highlights how recognising and valuing young children's schemas can provide their supportive adults with the opportunity and ability to acknowledge two-year-old children's capability to actively construct and develop an understanding of the world they live in.

This new edition of Cathy Nutbrown's much loved book explains the key ideas and issues in Early Childhood clearly and concisely, keeping students up-to-date with the latest developments in the field. There are brand new entries on: - Attachment - Babies' learning and development - Children's Centres - Citizenship - Digital Technologies - Early Years Foundation Stage - Early Years Professional Status - Neuroscience - Sexualities The rest of the book has also been thoroughly updated and revised, and includes coverage of heuristic play, Early Literacy Development and Parental Involvement. The book offers starting points which provide a clear focus, further reading and discussion of research on thirty-five key topics. It is a must for students following courses in early childhood education and care. Professor Cathy Nutbrown directs and teaches on Masters and Doctoral programmes in Early Childhood Education at the University of Sheffield.

This new edition of Cathy Nutbrown's much loved book explains the key ideas and issues in Early Childhood clearly and concisely, keeping students up-to-date with the latest developments in the field. There are brand new entries on: - Attachment - Babies' learning and development - Children's Centres - Citizenship - Digital Technologies - Early Years Foundation Stage - Early Years Professional Status - Neuroscience - Sexualities The rest of the book has also been thoroughly updated and revised, and includes coverage of heuristic play, Early Literacy Development and Parental Involvement. The book offers starting points which provide a clear focus, further reading and discussion of research on thirty-five key topics. It is a must for students following courses in early childhood education and care. Professor Cathy Nutbrown directs and teaches on Masters and Doctoral programmes in Early Childhood Education at the University of Sheffield.

Shortlisted for the 2013 Nursery World Awards 'This exciting book will greatly enhance understanding of learning throughout the early years, and reinforces the importance of responsive professionals who understand children's schemas. Atherton and Nutbrown have brought together socio-cultural and cognitive learning theories with ease, and their metaphors are brilliantly evocative' -Dr Anne Meade, Consultant

'This book is drawn from a study carried out with rigour and contains several gems, such as the 'bike and slide exploration'; the idea of adults engaging in 'a dialogue of conceptual correspondence' with children; and tables outlining 'what the children might have been thinking'. A great read ' -Dr Cath Arnold, Pen Green Early Years Centre

'This is an exciting and illuminating account of babies and toddlers, following their schema fascinations with determination and competence, as they continually explore and experiment and come to know their world. This book captivated me. It should be in every early childhood education setting' -Pam Cubey

This is the first book to focus specifically on Schemas and children under three. The authors trace the development of schemas from motor level through to symbolic representation, and show how to use schema theory to understand young children's learning and behaviour.

This accessible and student-friendly book includes:

-activities and discussion points

-links to policy and practice

-descriptive observational material

-a look at the ethics of this kind of research

-numerous photographs and illustrations

-suggestions for follow-up reading

The book is aimed at early childhood professionals and practitioners in ECEC settings, as well as those on initial training courses, teacher education, Early Years courses, and higher degrees.

The Third Edition of this hugely popular text provides students with straightforward principles and frameworks for understanding methodology. Peter Clough and Cathy Nutbrown are adept at making methodology meaningful for beginners and more advanced readers alike. Their book clearly demonstrates how methodology impacts upon every stage of the research process, and gives readers all of the tools that they need to understand it. New to this edition are the following: - new boxes and guidance on research ethics in every chapter - more international examples and perspectives - up to date coverage of online research methods - more examples from real students - a new companion website, featuring Powerpoint slides for lecturers The authors take an applied approach and every chapter contains a variety of practical examples from real research. Readers are encouraged to reflect on their own practice at every step, meaning that the book remains extremely relevant throughout. It will be invaluable for all students who are doing a dissertation or taking a research methods module in education, the social sciences, business and health.