Understanding Early Years Policy

`The strength of the book lies in its ability to untangle the conglomeration of key developments of early years policy from 1945-2005 whilst at the same time establishing itself as a reference book on early years policy that will never outdate itself. I predict that this book will quickly find a place on the book lists of colleges and universities around the country′ - ESCalate

`This book is excellent. It is very easy to read and it starts with the basics, before allowing the reader to be more reflective′ - Michelle Smith has a BA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood Studies and has recently completed her Early Years PGCE

′[These authors] have usefully worked to show how policy tends to be developed and who is likely to influence the details. The detailed case study of the proposals in Every Child Matters offers a helpful example to ground the wealth of detail. The chapters that follow could well help readers to reflect on what happens to real children and families as the result of policies′ - Nursery World

Are you looking for a clear overview of recent early years legislation?

Whether you are an early years student or a professional working in the field, this book will help you to understand and implement the wealth of early years legislation passed over the last few years.

It includes:

- information on all the main areas of early years policy

- consideration of the impact changes have had on practice

- guidance on the ways in which policy developments can be evaluated

- a handy timeline of early years legislation

- a glossary of key terms.

There are case studies and exercises illustrating the links between policy and practice throughout the book and each chapter offers guidance on official documents and points you in the direction of relevant Websites.

Foundation degree students, those on early years QTS and Early Childhood Studies courses, EYDCP team leaders, SENCOs, and management teams in nursery schools and early years settings will find this comprehensive guide to early years policy invaluable.

Peter Baldock worked extensively in early years education as a teacher, in community development, in registration and inspection of early years services, and as an Associate Lecturer with the Open University. His publications include three books on early years services, and he was actively involved in Sheffield′s 0-19+ Partnership on behalf of the voluntary sector.

Damien Fitzgerald PhD, is Head of Area for Early Childhood and Childhood at the Sheffield Institute of Education, Sheffield Hallam University. His research interests include gender and childhood, heteronormativity in family contexts and same-sex parenting and this informs his undergraduate and post-graduate teaching. Prior to working at Sheffield Hallam, he worked as an advisory teacher in early years special needs and in other teaching roles in schools. He is also qualified as a nurse working mainly in emergency care.

Janet Kay worked as a qualified social worker with children and families for some years before moving into teaching in further and then higher education. She has retired from full-time work, but still regularly lectures at Sheffield Hallam University, and is also working to promote better support for adoptive families in the UK.