This book is a study of infant mental health which blends knowledge and understanding from three perspectives: international research, theory, and intervention. The volume increases awareness of the significance of infant mental health, adding to the growing body of literature on influences upon lifestyles, communities, society, and attainment. The significance of mental health to development has come to the fore in recent years and research in neuroscience is used to explore, and to understand the complexities of the human brain. Each infant is exposed to unique influences before and after birth. Neuroscience, genetics, adverse childhood experiences, and personalities feature in the chapters as mitigating factors to attainment. Exemplars create a bridge between research and implementation of recommendations, and illustrate the myriad of influences and permutations that can enhance or hinder development. This book discusses internal influences from an infant's biological make-up, alongside the circumstances and relationships within a family unit, as understanding these key aspects is integral to promotion of each infant's life chances. The volume concludes by considering future approaches to nurturing infant mental health. Carefully designed to stimulate discussion and professional inquiry, this volume is an invaluable resource for researchers, academics, and scholars with an interest in infant mental health.

* Presents illustrative examples from the early years' context to highlight the plasticity of the human brain, and ability for adaptation and achievement in diverse circumstances* Publicizes the importance of acknowledging and responding to adversity, creating rich and personalised circumstances for brain development, and maintaining secure attachment with a primary/secondary carer in services, and at home* Promotes the complementariness, and inextricable links between the three aspects of adversity, attachment, and positive learning environments

Attainment and Executive Functioning in the Early Years combines knowledge and understanding from research with operational skills from practice in the early years. It presents the development of a sense of self which occurs between birth and five years, the effect of adverse childhood experiences, and the link to executive functioning in adulthood. The book supports the development of expertise which can be applied to enhance inclusive pedagogy, to nurture attainment and to contribute to life-long learning. It explores practice approaches which support children to gain a sense of self, to recognise the needs of others and to achieve fulfilment by operating with purpose. Research is accessed to gain knowledge and understanding of the complex processes which result in a demonstration of executive functioning in childhood. Attainment and Executive Functioning in the Early Years will be of great interest to academics, researchers and post-graduate students in the fields of early years' care, and education. It will also appeal to those working within children's services.

This book is a study of infant mental health which blends knowledge and understanding from three perspectives: international research, theory, and intervention. The volume increases awareness of the significance of infant mental health, adding to the growing body of literature on influences upon lifestyles, communities, society, and attainment. The significance of mental health to development has come to the fore in recent years and research in neuroscience is used to explore, and to understand the complexities of the human brain. Each infant is exposed to unique influences before and after birth. Neuroscience, genetics, adverse childhood experiences, and personalities feature in the chapters as mitigating factors to attainment. Exemplars create a bridge between research and implementation of recommendations, and illustrate the myriad of influences and permutations that can enhance or hinder development. This book discusses internal influences from an infant's biological make-up, alongside the circumstances and relationships within a family unit, as understanding these key aspects is integral to promotion of each infant's life chances. The volume concludes by considering future approaches to nurturing infant mental health. Carefully designed to stimulate discussion and professional inquiry, this volume is an invaluable resource for researchers, academics, and scholars with an interest in infant mental health.

Attainment and Executive Functioning in the Early Years combines knowledge and understanding from research with operational skills from practice in the early years. It presents the development of a sense of self which occurs between birth and five years, the effect of adverse childhood experiences, and the link to executive functioning in adulthood. The book supports the development of expertise which can be applied to enhance inclusive pedagogy, to nurture attainment and to contribute to life-long learning. It explores practice approaches which support children to gain a sense of self, to recognise the needs of others and to achieve fulfilment by operating with purpose. Research is accessed to gain knowledge and understanding of the complex processes which result in a demonstration of executive functioning in childhood. Attainment and Executive Functioning in the Early Years will be of great interest to academics, researchers and post-graduate students in the fields of early years' care, and education. It will also appeal to those working within children's services.

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Attachment, and the Early Years Learning Environment explores the concept of learning by presenting research and illustrations from practice on three major topics: adverse childhood experiences, attachment, and environment. Each child has a unique reaction to adversity in the early years, and the book discusses the effect upon approach and avoidance motivation for learning, and the rationale of trauma-informed practice. The influence from a secure attachment figure is explored, and links between emotions and involvement are presented. The book highlights the current indoor and outdoor use of natural green spaces as a response to attention-fatigue and promotes comprehension of the issues in a context of attention restoration theory. Intervention for extended families is presented as an approach to supporting development and attainment in each generation, and to achieving a legacy beyond the professional network. This book will appeal to academics, researchers, and postgraduate students in the fields of early years care and education. It will also appeal to those working within children's services.

The role, relationships and responsibilities of the traditional 'nursery nurse' have changed markedly within the last 20 years, demanding a high level of skill, knowledge and understanding which pertains to formal international standards. This book responds to the needs of a workforce who have experienced rapid developments and challenges. It supports an understanding of 'self' and the creation of an organisational pedagogy. Concepts are explored by reference to research indicating the importance of relationship-based practice with children and parents. Experienced practitioner Hazel Whitters draws on practical examples from the field, such as attachment, inclusion, pedagogy and child protection to bridge the implementation gap between current research, policy and practice of work in the early years. Nursery Nurse to Early Years' Practitioner will be of interest to early years' practitioners, academics, post-graduate students, researchers and course leaders in the field.