Integrated Working in Early Childhood: The Opportunities and Challenges

This book presents a comprehensive guide for Early childhood practitioners and students to integrated working in the early childhood sector. It explores the significant role that integrated working plays in supporting young children to realise their potential, and the value of this way of working for professionals.

Outlining the current context and practice reforms which guide Early Childhood providers, the book considers how professionals working across early childhood services can work together more effectively to provide an inclusive environment that supports children and their families. Including a wide range of examples to illustrate good practice the chapters cover:

• An introduction to the different professions and roles involved in supporting children and families
• Supporting families and safeguarding children
• Inclusion and integrated working
• Tackling poverty and social exclusion
• Giving children a voice
• Education and policy context for integrated working
• Working with care experienced children
• Leadership, management and collaboration

Through case studies, reflective activities, and practitioner accounts, this book explains what can be done to maximize the potential of integrated working. It is an essential text for students on Early Years Foundation Degrees and Early Childhood Studies, as well as early years professionals wishing to explore the potential for integrated working to support children and families in Early Childhood.

Mark Cronin is a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at Birmingham Newman University.