Understanding Early Years Education Across the UK : Comparing Practice in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales

The four nations of the UK each have distinctive policy and curricula in relation to Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). This new textbook offers a comprehensive look at early years education in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, bringing the curriculum frameworks for each country together in one place.

Drawing on the cultural and practical pedagogy of each curriculum, this book aims to develop students’ understanding of the development, care, education, health, well-being and upbringing of young children across the UK in a social, pedagogical and policy context.

Divided into two sections, the first examines each country’s learning and teaching requirements in detail within a policy context. The book then explores the similarities and differences between the curricula, focusing on key areas such as play, the indoor and outdoor learning environment, the family and assessment. Accessible and engaging, this book will help students to analyse and question practice both in their own country and across all four Home Nations. Features include: case studies to illustrate practice and a frequently asked questions section in each chapter to clarify key points and opportunities for reflection and debate.

Including contributions from expert practitioners in each country, this text is essential reading for all students studying early childhood and will help them to understand the impact of policy on children and families across the UK.

Diane Boyd is Senior Lecturer in Early Years Education and Education Studies at Liverpool John Moores University, UK.

Nicky Hirst is Programme Leader for Early Childhood Studies at Liverpool John Moores University, UK.