How does early years policy impact on practitioners, children, settings and families? What are the implications of current policy for the future? How can early years professionals shape and craft practice in ways that genuinely focus on the needs of children and families, rather than the interests of policy makers? This exciting new text explores the changing context and increasing importance of early years policy. It takes a broad look at policy developments and shows how these have affected children, settings, parents and the early years workforce. Divided into two parts, the first examines theoretical perspectives and sets out the early years policy context, looking at issues surrounding accountability, international influences on policy and the Early Years Foundation Stage. The second half of the book directly shows how policy has influenced practice, and considers: the upskilling of the workforce and the impact of this on practitioners; the development of the learning environment including outdoor provision; sustained shared thinking and its link to high quality learning and teaching; the impact of policy on parents. Offering a fresh perspective on early years policy, this timely textbook will be essential reading for students on undergraduate and postgraduate Early Years and Childhood Studies courses and those working towards Early Years Teacher status.

• Offers a step-by-step guide to carrying out educational research • Specifically written for students on early years foundation degrees/childhood studies programmes • Includes exploratory tasks, proformas and reflective questions to help students carry out their research

• Offers a step-by-step guide to carrying out educational research • Specifically written for students on early years foundation degrees/childhood studies programmes • Includes exploratory tasks, proformas and reflective questions to help students carry out their research

How does early years policy impact on practitioners, children, settings and families? What are the implications of current policy for the future? How can early years professionals shape and craft practice in ways that genuinely focus on the needs of children and families, rather than the interests of policy makers? This exciting new text explores the changing context and increasing importance of early years policy. It takes a broad look at policy developments and shows how these have affected children, settings, parents and the early years workforce. Divided into two parts, the first examines theoretical perspectives and sets out the early years policy context, looking at issues surrounding accountability, international influences on policy and the Early Years Foundation Stage. The second half of the book directly shows how policy has influenced practice, and considers: the upskilling of the workforce and the impact of this on practitioners; the development of the learning environment including outdoor provision; sustained shared thinking and its link to high quality learning and teaching; the impact of policy on parents. Offering a fresh perspective on early years policy, this timely textbook will be essential reading for students on undergraduate and postgraduate Early Years and Childhood Studies courses and those working towards Early Years Teacher status.

If young children are to flourish and become happy, confident and motivated learners, they need to develop in an environment that gives them the opportunities and freedom to play and learn, along with the support of parents and practitioners who are flourishing themselves. This invaluable text looks at the conditions that enable all those engaged in the early years sector to flourish, covering themes such as the outdoor environment, the curriculum, parent partnership, equality and ethical practice. Divided into three sections, each part covers: Concepts: A consideration of how flourishing is framed by political, historical and policy frameworks. Practices: Exploring the issues that early years practitioners are faced with when engaging with parents and multi-agent professionals within their setting. Futures: Examining some of the long-term issues that may need to be revisited on a regular basis to enable continual and flourishing development to occur. With key points and reflective tasks, this book will be valuable reading to all students and practitioners working in the early childhood education and care sector who want to ensure that the children in their care are given the best possible start in life.

Thriving as a Professional Teacher explores the tensions and balance between developing the classroom you know will be best for the children you teach, and facing external pressures such as Ofsted, performance management, Teacher Standards and the need to prepare children for SATs and other tests. The book locates the professional in the political context before outlining the key challenges faced and experienced, and laying the foundations necessary for the professional to thrive. An expert team of contributors analyses the differences between professionalism and 'professionalisation', and emphasises the importance of promoting a collaborative, sharing culture to give you the knowledge needed to challenge and contest competing agendas. Topics covered include: understanding the impact of policy upon teachers and the teaching profession; developing a professional identity as a teacher; building resilience and a sense of wellbeing as a teacher; building and sustaining creativity in the curriculum; safeguarding young people; examining the impact of globalisation on educational practices. With case studies, opportunities for reflection and clear chapter summaries woven throughout, Thriving as a Professional Teacher will help you to form a sustainable identity and to create a teaching and learning environment in which both teachers and students can thrive. It is an essential read for both trainee and practising teachers.

Thriving as a Professional Teacher explores the tensions and balance between developing the classroom you know will be best for the children you teach, and facing external pressures such as Ofsted, performance management, Teacher Standards and the need to prepare children for SATs and other tests. The book locates the professional in the political context before outlining the key challenges faced and experienced, and laying the foundations necessary for the professional to thrive. An expert team of contributors analyses the differences between professionalism and 'professionalisation', and emphasises the importance of promoting a collaborative, sharing culture to give you the knowledge needed to challenge and contest competing agendas. Topics covered include: understanding the impact of policy upon teachers and the teaching profession; developing a professional identity as a teacher; building resilience and a sense of wellbeing as a teacher; building and sustaining creativity in the curriculum; safeguarding young people; examining the impact of globalisation on educational practices. With case studies, opportunities for reflection and clear chapter summaries woven throughout, Thriving as a Professional Teacher will help you to form a sustainable identity and to create a teaching and learning environment in which both teachers and students can thrive. It is an essential read for both trainee and practising teachers.

If young children are to flourish and become happy, confident and motivated learners, they need to develop in an environment that gives them the opportunities and freedom to play and learn, along with the support of parents and practitioners who are flourishing themselves. This invaluable text looks at the conditions that enable all those engaged in the early years sector to flourish, covering themes such as the outdoor environment, the curriculum, parent partnership, equality and ethical practice. Divided into three sections, each part covers: Concepts: A consideration of how flourishing is framed by political, historical and policy frameworks. Practices: Exploring the issues that early years practitioners are faced with when engaging with parents and multi-agent professionals within their setting. Futures: Examining some of the long-term issues that may need to be revisited on a regular basis to enable continual and flourishing development to occur. With key points and reflective tasks, this book will be valuable reading to all students and practitioners working in the early childhood education and care sector who want to ensure that the children in their care are given the best possible start in life.