Understanding Early Years Policy

Fully revised to include all the latest developments in early years policy, this book explores the processes of how policy is made, implemented, analysed and developed over time. In this well respected book the authors provide a complete overview of early years policy and evaluate its ongoing impact on practice. Case studies, points for reflection and activities encourage discussion and critical thinking around this complicated topic.

This third edition has been significantly revised and updated to include:

- a new chapter on exploring the international dimension of early years policy

- discussion of the impact of the recession and the Coalition Government′s policies

- material on how ordinary practitioners can influence policy

- a revised and updated timeline of early years legislation

Essential reading for early years students at all levels, and early years practitioners at any stage of their career, this book is a must-have for navigating the minefield of early years legislation.

Peter Baldock has worked extensively in early years education and is chair of the executive committees of two children′s charities based in Sheffield. Damien Fitzgerald and Janet Kay are both Prinicpal Lecturers in Early Childhood Studies at Sheffield Hallam University

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.