An Introduction to Early Childhood

 

This revised edition introduces readers to a wide range of contemporary issues in early childhood, issues that are fundamental for working respectfully with young children. Each chapter has been skilfully constructed with the professional in mind, as accessible and current information is provided, overviews of research studies, useful web-links, podcast options, and thought-provoking case studies all assist with demystifying each topic.  What I really like about this book is how it challenges us to think differently about children in an adult-centred society, and it equips readers with ways to better understand children’s lifeworlds. -- Dr Anna Kilderry

 

This book provides a rich introduction to key issues that concern early childhood. It makes us think about what matters to young children and what professionals can do to protect their well-being. The broad coverage and the reflective nature of the book make it an invaluable resource for those who are new to early childhood studies, for practitioners and researchers, and also for anyone who cares about the quality of early childhood practice. -- Dr Hiroko Fumoto

 

This book has to be one of the most refreshing and realistic books on early years holistic care and education on the market.  There is a wide range of highly relevant issues included, all presented in a way that provokes the reader to reflect and analyse their developing knowledge and understanding. It is an excellent resource for students studying early years care and education. It provides a stimulating and thought provoking insight into the field of early childhood. -- Ally Dunhill
An all-together textbook that covers every angle of childhood studies. Excellent book and an essential one for students to buy. -- Dr Katherine Cartmell * drupal *
A new edition of an established text. We have already used this on our FdA Early Childhood module, Rights of the Child, but it would be also useful on several other modules at FdA and BA level. -- Miss Caroline Meredith * drupal *
This is an excellent textbook for foundation degrees and teacher training or those working towards EYPS. the supplementary online materials are an additional bonus and ensures learning of key components is accessible to all whilst also providing extra materials to consolidate learning. This is a diverse text covering key aspects of practice that are essential foundations to working with young children. -- Miss Catherine Farnon * drupal *
Useful book for both undergraduate early years students -- Miss Lorna Wardle * drupal *
Useful book for both undergraduate early years students -- Miss Lorna Wardle * drupal *
Good read to help tutors with introduction to Early Childhood -- Miss Nicola Slinger * drupal *
We have now put an order in for this book and will be on essential reading for 2 modules -- Mr Aaron Bradbury * drupal *
An essential text for those student social workers who are to specialise in children′s work, it provides information on the wider perspective of childrens development, including education. Chapter 5 on professional working explores collaborative practice really well. -- Mr Dave Mason * drupal *
I had read one of the Waller chapters earlier - Chapter 13 on Wellbeing - which I thought was excellent.

I also particularly like the Safeguarding Chapter (12) and Outdoor Play & Learning (8).

Like the podcasts on the website, some of which I′m going to recommend - but sad there isn′t one for Wellbeing despite it being mentioned on p208.

-- Mr Martin Harmer * drupal *
A comprehensive and critical book that is essential reading for Foundation Degree students. The book′s many case studies, and reflective and critical questions, will enable students to consider concepts and link theory to practice in an engaging and thought-provoking way. -- Mrs Anna Colgan * drupal *
A nice introductory book for the first year students. -- Mrs Annette Trilk * drupal *
A useful introductory text which prompts the reader to reflect on some of the key themes in the world of early childhood. -- Mrs Annie Richardson * drupal *
As with all Tim Waller texts, an excellent resource for all degree level students who are looking for quality writing in an accessible and manageable text. -- Mrs Caroline Guard * drupal *
I will highly recommend this book to my students and will also use it myself when researching for teaching modules. It covers a wide range of subjects that are organised into thematic sections. The content is current and makes links to relevant and often recent research. Each chapter encourages reflection and discussion and provides further reading recommendations and links to websites. -- Mrs Claire Jackson * drupal *
Child development is explored in an accessible way to students. -- Mrs Claire Pescott * drupal *
A well presented book with key points at the beginning of each chapter to help direct you as the reader. -- Mrs Dawn Burnham * drupal *
A text that I recommend to students readily, which provides them with an accessible and clearly written introduction to some of the key issues of early childhood -- Mrs Elizabeth Richards * drupal *
This book is a fabulous handbook for anyone studying or engaging within this field - highly recommend -- Mrs Gillian Noble-Grey * drupal *
Very useful text. -- Mrs Jan Gourd * drupal *
Super update to an invaluable book that gives an excellent overview of a wide range of issues linked to children, early years care, development and education. Easy to read
Especially useful for new students. Liked links to website and wider reading – great podcasts available; liked the table to international provision
-- Mrs Janet Harvell * drupal *
Very good text for year one students new to the profession. -- Mrs Janice Grinstead * drupal *
Good text for for year one students new to the profession. -- Mrs Janice Grinstead * drupal *
A good book highlighting key issues that concern early childhood with some useful points for reflection and discussion. -- Mrs Jeenal Desai * drupal *
A useful contribution to a rather crowded area of study. It is hard to find a single text that hits all the spots for speech and language therapists but the chapters on play and learning and the videos and links are a real asset and will be used. -- Mrs Jennie Vitkovitch * drupal *
The breadth of topics covered in this book makes it ideal as supplementary reading for undergraduates embarking on the Early Years Teacher training course. It will provide those who are entering the profession, with an introduction to the context and history of early childhood and offers an overview of relevant topics that will be covered in the course. -- Mrs Jo McEvoy * drupal *
A good additional read for students undertaking research projects. -- Mrs Karen Fullman * drupal *
However, passed to a colleague for consideration on a human growth and development module. -- Mrs Kay Wall * drupal *
This is an excellent resource for learners starting out in childcare. It provides an brilliant foundation for the learner. -- Mrs Liz Tomlin * drupal *
A welcomed revised edition which provides a holistic view on relevant areas within child development. Allowing the reader to reflect on their own practice within each area. -- Mrs Louise Atkins * drupal *
A really useful book for chidcare students to refer to -- Mrs Maria Johnson * drupal *
A really useful book for all child care students to refer to -- Mrs Maria Johnson * drupal *
This covers a range of different themes and perspectives that students need to explore when considering the development of early years practice in this country. It offers a basis from which to consider what is the childhood they are trting to support in their practice and how the rights and the voice of individual children can be taken into account in their work. -- Mrs Mary Dyer * drupal *
Excellent source for students that will support them holistically during their studies. -- Mrs Nicola Firth * drupal *
very useful for all early childhood studies students -- Mrs Nicola Stobbs * drupal *
excellent all round book for all early childhhod students -- Mrs Nicola Stobbs * drupal *
A helpful and informative text which will support those on Foundation Degrees, BA Early Childhood Studies or Early Years Teacher Status to understand some of the contemporary debates in respect of Early Childhood. -- Mrs Nikki Fairchild * drupal *
An excellent book covering a variety of themes all current to childcare. Particularly useful for Health and Safeguarding as those are my areas of teaching at present. -- Mrs Pamela Canning * drupal *
An absolute must for the level 4 reading list! Accessible, well-presented and academically underpinned. A range of relevant/ contemporary issues considered within one text. -- Mrs Paula Hamilton * drupal *
This book covers many of the contemporary issues in early childhood and is a stimulating read that would broaden the knowledge of experienced practitioners as well as being an essential handbook for students of early childhood. Many of the chapters can be easily related to modules. I found the reflective practice chapter perfect for supporting the reflective practice module as it covers key issues and theoretical models in a highly readable and engaging way. -- Mrs Ruth Horwood * drupal *
This book covers a range of topics which is helpful to students embarking on their studies. The range of case studies throughout the book provide useful activities and promote student reflection. -- Mrs Samantha Sutton-Tsang * drupal *
This updated book ensures that it remains current and relevant. Early years courses recognise the development of aspects such as creativity, leadership and reflective practice and these are a welcome addition within the text. Reflective questions provide further support in encouraging students to develop their reflective skills and analysis of key themes. This book will be highly recommended for those considering studying early years or are about to commence their studies. -- Mrs Sandra Dumitrescu * drupal *
Really informative book and extra links with video and podcasts great for students and in class -- Mrs Sarah Collyer * drupal *
This is an excellent resource for learners starting out in childcare. It provides an brilliant foundation for the learner. -- Mrs Sharon Lock * drupal *
this is an excellent book which covers the key topics which need to be addressed by someone working with young children. Chapter 15 is a key chapter for ensuring collaborative working for all professional within different settings. -- Mrs Suzanne Strawford * drupal *
I will recommend that all my students should buy this book at the start of the next academic year. The topics within the book will cover every module on the FdA Early Years course, not just the ones I teach them. Copies have been ordered for the library. -- Mrs Yolande Leech * drupal *
This book covers a range of key issues whilst the case studies and reflective questions really engage the reader. -- Ms Aoife Cooney * drupal *
This will be the core text again for the next Year 2 students 2015/16 -- Ms Beccie Davis-yates * drupal *
This is a very good text for undergraduate students in Early Years -- Ms Carol Lloyd * drupal *
This book was an interesting and stimulating read. Issues are unpicked and pesented in an analytical and reflective manner. Part three:Learning and Play gave much insight in to how children learn in the Early Years. -- Ms Jane Noble * drupal *
Accessable information for range of students , encouraging use of underpinning theories.

Case studies able to be used for in class discussions and small group work, so helpful tutor resource as well.

-- Ms Jessica Johnson * drupal *
A good introductory text that provides a foundation to the topics covered on the Foundation Degree programme. -- Ms Karen Ashurst * drupal *
A wide-ranging and useful text, clearly written and accessible. -- Ms Kate Allott * drupal *
This is a very supportive book for trainee teachers. The use of case studies bring the theories to life and reflective questions help to deepen their understanding during the busy PGCE year. -- Ms Veronica Towers * drupal *
This is an attractively-presented book. It does reasonably well at presenting a broad overview of policy linked to ′service′ provision in England. However it is not detailed enough on practice issues to be particularly useful on a social work course except as broad introductory material. -- Professor Brian Taylor * drup