Lesley Abbott

This volume identifies and explores high quality work (and what shapes it) in early years education. It shows us children and adults variously working and playing, talking and communicating, learning and laughing, caring and sharing in a rich tapestry of case studies which highlight quality experiences and interactions. Every chapter is based around a particular case study, each one tackling a different issue: the curriculum, play, assessment, roles and relationships, special needs, partnerships with parents and equal opportunities. All the writers work together in early years education on a day-to-day basis enabling them to pool their different expertise to create a balanced but challenging approach. They give inspiring examples of, and outline underlying principles for, quality work and ask important questions of all those involved in the education and care of young children.

EBOOK: Quality Education in the Early Years

Cathy Nutbrown

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.

Implications for Pre-school Provision

Experiencing Reggio Emilia

Helen Moylett

Working with the Under-threes: Responding to Children's Needs focuses upon ways in which researchers, parents and practitioners seek to meet the diverse needs of young children in specific ways. Important questions are raised with regard to children's rights and entitlement, and ways in which early interactions with people, environment, culture, curriculum and context help to shape the educational lives of children under 3. Working with the under threes places a special responsibility on adults to both recognise and respond appropriately to their rapidly changing needs. A range of contributors share their experience and expertise in chapters which focus on adults working with children in a range of contexts. Early interactions take place in a variety of ways and contributors to the book explore opportunities which allow adults to respond to children's needs, particularly with reference to the development of the child's self concept. Different perspectives on developing children's language and literacy skills are offered, together with a focus on communication through creative and aesthetic experiences. Contributions by parents, practitioners and trainers offer perspectives which will challenge and provoke readers to reflect on their own experiences and practice. The book is intended for all those training or working with the under threes, including parents and other carers. The companion Early Interactions volume, also edited by Lesley Abbott and Helen Moylett, is entitled Working with the Under-3s: Training and Professional Development.

EBOOK: Working with the Under Threes: Responding to Children's Needs

Ann Langston

"The quality of children's experiences, and the engagement of their parents, particularly in these early years, is critical to better outcomes that will impact on the child right into adolescence and adulthood. While we have done much to expand quantity, we also must keep working on quality. This book is a key tool for both practitioners delivering services and managers designing and commissioning them." Naomi Eisenstadt, Director, Sure Start Unit, Department for Education and Skills Birth to Three Matters is essential reading for anyone involved in providing care and education or developing policy for children between birth and three. The book: Explores the structure and content of the DfES Birth to Three Matters Framework Supports the use of the pack by providing more detail, background information, and discussion of current research and case studies in Early Years Examines a range of issues that impact on the development of quality in early years settings Features contributions from influential early years experts, many of whom were involved in the development of the Birth to Three Matters Framework Topics include national and international policy and research, practitioners, quality, anti-discriminatory practice, inclusion, safety, and training. A sound theoretical approach is supported and enhanced by a highly practical section, which links to the framework and shows how how observation, play, interaction and creativity affects work with very young children. This book supports a variety of professionals involved in the development of policy, practice and quality in early years settings, as well as students seeking to understand more about the Birth to Three Matters Framework and the issues that influence work with this age group.

Lesley Abbott

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