Policy Issues in the Early Years

′Whether seen as a market commodity, a means of democratic empowerment, or the best start for all children, early years services reflect national values and political judgements. Policy making is relevant to all who work in early childhood care and education, and this book provides excellent insights and support to help practitioners develop the analytical skills that will make them "policy literate′

- Dame Gillian Pugh, Chair, National Children′s Bureau

′A surprisingly accessible and interesting read, so if you want to feel more ′policy literate′, and need to get ′clued up′ on current issues affecting early years this book is the ideal read for you′
- Martine Horvath, Early Years Educator

′The contributors to the book are all well-informed protagonists in the field of early years who each offer unique perspectives on early years policy past, present, and future′
-Early Years Update

This book should provide a useful introduction to issues surrounding early years services and could be used in a range of courses, not only for those hoping to be early years practitioners but for all those professionals who work with families and young children. -- Jacqueline Barnes * Child and Adolescent Mental Health *
This is a very good text that I have already recommended to students on my courses. -- Dr Fiona Patrick * drupal *
Excellent -- Dr Guy Roberts-Holmes * drupal *
Very good book but more applicable to UK then Ireland but will use it for comparable studies -- Dr Judith Butler * drupal *
Highly recommended as providing a critical account of key policy issues. -- Dr Ros Garrick * drupal *
This is a useful, up-to-date volume. -- Dr Victoria Foster * drupal *
This is an excellent and timely book which is invaluable given the changes in the early years sector.

It is useful to those involved in theoretical underpinning policy concepts and those who are active researchers in the field. -- Joan Goss * drupal *
An accessible book which covers key themes within EY policy and contemporary issues within an ever-changing policy context -- Miss Charlotte Jones * drupal *
Excellent book; covers key themes explored in the second year of our Early Years Foundation degree. On the essential reading list for next semester. -- Miss Christine Hatcher * drupal *
A useful book discussing policy and implications on practice
-- Miss KATY MEREDITH * drupal *
This will be an interesting and useful read for my third year students and students studying Working with Parents modules -- Miss Lorna Wardle * drupal *
A clear and well-laid out book that discusses policy making in the Early Years. I particularly like the differentiated reading tasks at the end of each chapter which helps ensure the subject is pitched at the correct level for each student. -- Miss Louise Kay * drupal *
Excellent supporing text for tutors supporting the BTEC L3 CCLD - good case studies included. -- Miss Rebecca Lindley * drupal *
Intresting and infomrative book which has a range of points for discussion and links to current websites as well as further reading at levels 4 to 7. -- Mr David Corry-Bass * drupal *
A wide-ranging and thoughtful book by some of the most interesting academics in the UK and beyond. The chapters go well-beyond the areas of so many early years books and this makes it a vaulable addition to the growing literature. -- Mr Keith Savage * drupal *
Critical Perspectives / Parenting Policy / Reconceptualising Policy Making particularly relevant & thought-provoking. -- Mr Martin Harmer * drupal *
An essential read for understanding how policy impacts the early years workforce and the wider environment of families, children, caregivers etc. -- Mrs Anna Colgan * drupal *
Absolutely essential for policy based modules -- Mrs Chelle Davison * drupal *
A well written, informative book detailing key policy issues in Early Years settings. Essential for module 1 of the foundation degree early years but will also be useful to students on a range of modules -- Mrs Elisabeth Byers * drupal *
A good read for students who may be researching how Policy affects practice in areas of health, social care and education. Children and families are affected by Policy and this book gives great information on a range of relevant topics. -- Mrs Emma Harvey * drupal *
It was felt this text would be used on a wide variety of programmes. New programmes focusing on the Community may well add this to their reading list -- Mrs Ges Teager * drupal *
An exciting new book on Early Years Policy, a topic area often overlooked. A perfect introduction for Master′s Students. -- Mrs Heather Macdonald * drupal *
This book covers alot of issues which are raised throughout students learning and there is much to debate. There are useful websites for the students to research and recommended further reading. The case studies and questions for discussion are particularly useful as is the ′final thoughts′ paragraph which completes each chapter. -- Mrs Jackie Braithwaite * drupal *
Good for the level 3 student that is finishing or adapting policies. -- Mrs Jan Roberts * drupal *
This is a helpful additional text for my EYP students. essential for new graduates to EY but optional for experienced practitioners -- Mrs Jane Joyce * drupal *
Chapters include reflections on current issues from a number of respected contributors . A valuable additional to the library. Each chapter ends with useful website links and I especially value the recommendations for reading at different levels of study. Marketisation of early years is thought provoking. Very up to date
-- Mrs Janet Harvell * drupal *
Up to date and concise text, really found the layout helpful - the overview section really helped students set the context. Used the questions for discussion within the sessions with students -- Mrs Julie Brierley * drupal *
Some good issues which could be used for group discussion activities -- Mrs Karen Allen * drupal *
Case studies bring theory and practice together. Like the further reading lists, especially as they offer some links to level 7. Activities and discussion points help to consolidate student learning. Have recommended to a colleague for use on Master programme. -- Mrs Karen Southern * drupal *
the sections on poverty were interesting and relevant to our FD programme.
not necessarily a easy read, needed to go over sections aleast 3 times to follow thread. -- Mrs Louise Burch * drupal *
"Enables learners to look more deeply at Early Years policies. The extended sections at the back of each chapter where excellent and enable learners to gather further sources so to be able to question and reflect on their own inderstanding. -- Mrs Louise Burch * drupal *
Essential text for practitioners and students in early years to bring them up to date with a complex area -- Mrs Michelle Rogers * drupal *
The book is versatile and will be valuable for various modules on the Foundation Degree course and the BA Early Years. The book is set out nicely and makes for an interesting read with a clear overview of each chapter and summary. The authors write in such a way that is understandable to students and I have also used the book during planning delivery sessions. Authors support their writing well with a wide range of sources. -- Mrs Nicola Firth * drupal *
A guide to assist candidates understand and unpick critical policy issues in the early years. I would make this suggested reading for EYPS candidates who want to investigate these issues in more depth -- Mrs Nikki Fairchild * drupal *
This book is suitable for teaching Early Childhood Studies and exploring the impacts on Early Years Policy. It investigates the relevance of policy and offers information about the ways in which policy is created. Most importantly, this book will help the students to understand and to become ‘Policy literacy’ practitioners. -- Mrs Paivi Valtonen * drupal *
interesting and very current for students -- Mrs Paula Willis * drupal *
This book was well used by my students when discussing policy and implications on practice. -- Mrs Sarah Tipler * drupal *
An accessible book which covers key themes within early year’s policy and contemporary issues, which will be recommended to students on childhood and early education courses. A good source of information for supporting knowledge and understanding of the impacts of policy on the early year’s workforce. Contributions from respected authors in the field. The overview, summaries and case studies are particularly helpful. -- Mrs Sharon Colilles * drupal *
Another well presented and organised book by Linda Miller. The book that every student studying Early Years must have as it gives a clear overview of the key policies in the EY sector. -- Mrs Svetlana Shivacheva * drupal *
Particularly like the way that further reading is split into different levels. Really useful for students to ascertain what level of reading they will be accessing -- Mrs Tanya Richardson * drupal *
A very useful book - good to see consideration of Infant Mental health included. Good layout and use of summaries and questions for discussion. Also links to further reading at a higher level is very useful. -- Mrs Trish Newstead * drupal *
The book provides good insight in Early Years issues such as the EYFS framework and poverty. It gives good opportunity for full time students to experience the ′real life′ as every chapter provides case study or (and) questions for discussion. The book is good for the Fonundation degree in EY and for the BA (Hons) students. -- Ms Eva Mikuska * drupal *
An excellent read. One which I am sure will become a student favorite. -- Ms Gill ALBON * drupal *
Essential for supporting the ECM agenda and the areas of policy review especially at level 5. -- Ms Jane Stevens * drupal *
An excellent, up to date book suitable for students at all levels of Higher Education. This book is now a core text on our Early Years policy modules. -- Ms Lindey Cookson * drupal *
Excellent up to date resource that enables the student to reflect on policy and national strategies within the early years field. Great links to additional research and further reading. Each chapter carefully written by experts in the field of Early years and with consideration given to ways to support the development of a competent workforce who are aware of the changes in policy and practice. -- Ms Lisa Oneill * drupal *
An excellent resource for students studying early years policy. The case studies and discussion points are useful tools to aid reflection and to consolidate learning.
-- Ms Rose Envy * drupal *
The module covers Early Years Policy, Issues and Themes and very relevant and helpful for the students. It is one recommended on the module and reading list. -- Pansy McFarlane-Edmond * drupal *
This is very well pitched for students who have fed back how helpful they are finding it. -- Rosie Walker * drupal *