This book is revised to reflect the latest standards, legislation, frameworks and practice, so students have the up-to-date information they need to succeed. It is extended to provide the greater depth and criticality that students need at Levels 4 and 5. It is written in the same accessible language as the first edition and designed for quick and easy reference. It is packed with recommendations for further reading, making it the perfect starting point for any line of early years research. It is ideal for sector-endorsed Early Years Foundation Degrees, NVQ/SVQ Level 4 in Children's Care, Learning and Development and other comparable qualifications.

'I would recommend this book to students and trainees who wish to extend their knowledge and understanding of early years practice beyond level 3. This book is accessible, up to date and focuses on translating theory into practice, incorporating the essential higher order skill of reflection. The pedagogical foundations within place children firmly at the centre, whilst acknowledging the highly influential early years practitioner in the wider context of family, community and inclusive practice.' Sarah Barton, Senior Lecturer and EY ITT Programme Leader, School of Education and Continuing Studies, University of Portsmouth Are you studying to become an early years teacher or educator, or studying for an early years degree, and looking for a book to guide you through your qualification? With stories of practice, questions for reflection, further reading and links to the Teachers' Standards (Early Years), this book links professional practice with theory and research and will help you: * understand how children learn and develop * engage with the curriculum and the practice of teaching * learn more about the structure and reality of early years provision and practice for children aged from 0-8 years * develop ways to reflect upon your practice * develop professional skills and attributes needed to take a leading role * understand how to apply all of this to practice. This core textbook is ideal for students of early years and early childhood courses and will support you in your practice in the early years.

'I would recommend this book to students and trainees who wish to extend their knowledge and understanding of early years practice beyond level 3. This book is accessible, up to date and focuses on translating theory into practice, incorporating the essential higher order skill of reflection. The pedagogical foundations within place children firmly at the centre, whilst acknowledging the highly influential early years practitioner in the wider context of family, community and inclusive practice.' Sarah Barton, Senior Lecturer and EY ITT Programme Leader, School of Education and Continuing Studies, University of Portsmouth Are you studying to become an early years teacher or educator, or studying for an early years degree, and looking for a book to guide you through your qualification? With stories of practice, questions for reflection, further reading and links to the Teachers' Standards (Early Years), this book links professional practice with theory and research and will help you: * understand how children learn and develop * engage with the curriculum and the practice of teaching * learn more about the structure and reality of early years provision and practice for children aged from 0-8 years * develop ways to reflect upon your practice * develop professional skills and attributes needed to take a leading role * understand how to apply all of this to practice. This core textbook is ideal for students of early years and early childhood courses and will support you in your practice in the early years.

Shortlisted for the 2013 Nursery World Awards! 'The author offers opportunity to reflect upon experience and brings together reflective practice and work-based learning, aiming to support the professional growth of a reflective early years workforce' -Karen Ward, Senior Lecturer in Early Years, Birmingham City University Work-based reflective learning is a key part of the professional development of practitioners working in the early years sector. The Reflective Early Years Practitioner focuses on the practitioner's role and development within a wide range of contexts in this area. Informed by empirical research, packed with case studies from a wide range of settings and with points for reflection in each chapter, the author covers: - developing as an early years practitioner - reflective vocational progression - pedagogical examples for continuing professional development - study skills to begin reflective practice - professionalism and reflective leadership in the early years Vital aspects of practice, such as assessing and planning for children's learning, developing inclusive teaching strategies and integrated practice are highlighted within the chapters. This is essential reading for students undertaking work-based and academic study in early years and for those working towards post-graduate and professional qualifications. It provides readers with tools to continually practice work-based reflective learning now and in the future.

What are the ways in which young children learn to communicate? Collating their extensive experience of language and literacy in the early years, the contributors explore key aspects of this topic, linking practical ideas for early years settings and classrooms to relevant theory and research.

This second edition is updated to take into account important developments in research, policy and practice, and now covers the 0-8 age range. It also addresses developments in new media and the impact this has upon literacy in young children, and offers chapters on new areas which have emerged in recent years, such as multimodality, media literacy, creative arts and literacy.

Explored in the book are:

" the relationship between play and literacy;

" the role environmental print has in early literacy development;

" the language and literacy development of young bilinguals;

" ideas, suggestions and justifications for the use of poetry;

" a two-year research project, funded by Creative Partnerships; and

" key issues relating to family literacy.

This book will be of interest to experienced practitioners, and to student teachers on a range of early years courses, as well as to professionals and managers of children's centres and services, this book conveys the excitement shared by both children and practitioners in celebrating children's developing literacies.

'This book introduces an intriguing juxtaposition of "caring" alongside "effective," and it is a thought-provoking book. Including examples of early years leaders on their own reflective learning journeys, it provides a rich source of ideas for relational leadership that are firmly based in research and professional experience.' - Professor Margaret Carr, University of Waikato, New Zealand Effective and caring leadership is an essential part of raising standards and increasing the quality of learning in early childhood settings. This book explains leadership practices that can make a positive difference to the provision offered and improve outcomes for both children and families. With theoretical, practical and research-informed perspectives, this book: Uses case studies to provide examples of effective leadership Integrates education and care with key practices in effective leadership Explores directional, collaborative, empowering and pedagogical leadership Offers readers opportunity to reflect upon their own leadership practices This is a key text for anyone studying Early Childhood, existing and aspiring leaders, graduate Early Years Leaders and those training to work in settings, schools and children's services. Professor Iram Siraj is Professor of Early Childhood Education at the Institute of Education, University of London. Dr. Elaine Hallet is a Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at the Institute of Education, University of London.