Foundations of Early Childhood

‘This book is essential reading for all involved in the study of early childhood, addressing key themes, ideas and topical debates relevant for early childhood students at undergraduate level.  The Editors have provided a lucid, readable and clear contribution to our knowledge and understanding of early childhood.’ -- Rose Envy
‘This book is a welcome addition to the growing scholarly publications about children in the Early Years.  The case studies bring the subject matter to life.  The points for reflection will help to develop the vital skill of reflective practice. I particularly enjoyed reading "upholding children′s rights in early years settings.  It was refreshing to see that the rights of babies are highlighted in the chapter.’ -- Jackie Musgrave
This is an invaluable addition to anyone’s early years library, with particular relevance for students (specifically those studying at levels four and five of their early childhood degrees) and tutors. The book covers key topics, such as children’s rights; the early years curriculum; how children learn and develop; health and wellbeing. It is a book that would thoroughly support any student making the transition to honours level study. There are some terrific little reflection activities aiming to implement good theory into practice in a helpful and purposeful way. A particularly interesting and influential chapter is the one around neuroscientific findings and how these are shaping and influencing early childhood policy.     -- Martine Horvath

So far in my studies this book has been very helpful during my research as it has covered the majority of areas in my course.

I like how the book is split into sections with the names of those who have written it as this makes it much easier when it comes to referencing.  Having the glossary has also been very useful when looking for specific information.

I particularly found chapter 1 very useful and it gave me an idea of what my course would include, and it prepared me for what was ahead. 

So far, I haven’t found any faults with the book, it has done everything that I would expect it to.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is starting a degree in Early Years.

-- Early Childhood Student at Stranmillis University College
The contents of this book is broad and a valuable foundation of knowledge for students studying early childhood studies. -- Dr Elaine Hallet * drupal *
Excellent, well rounded book that looks holistically at early childhood studies. -- Dr Katherine Cartmell * drupal *
Good supplementary text for our pre-reg students -- Dr Vincent Icheku * drupal *
This book is well-organised and thought-provoking, providing a sound introduction to the field of Early Childhood Studies. I really like the pedagogical features and the companion website. -- Elise Alexander * drupal *
This book is an essential read for an over text for any foundation degree course in early Years and is of value to both students and teaching staff for this purpose. -- Michelle Harris * drupal *
Really good for the course, students are able to dip in and out of the book with ease. -- Miss Annette Trilk * drupal *
Really like the layout andcontent of this book. It looks at arrange of essential areas of practice, so gives an introduction to inclusion, policy, learning, professionalism, so is a really key introductory text that students will benefit from the start of their course through to the end! -- Miss Catherine Farnon * drupal *
This book underpins a lot of the content covered on the Foundation Degree in Early years, including Safeguarding Children, The Importance of Play, Observation, and Child Development. This is a recommended companion for students who study childhood at degree level. -- Miss Jo Button * drupal *
An essential reading text for students of early childhood
The focus on reflection is very helpful as is the use of case studies
Well structured text -- Miss Karen Bezerra * drupal *
An excellent book which is a must publication for those undertaking early childhood studies. The book is written cleverly in a manner which develops the reader as if they are part of the child′s EYFS development. -- Mr Dominic Cunliffe * drupal *
A really interesting set of themes are explored in this book. The title is a little misleading as it is clearly aimed at supporting students in their studies rather than just the subject of Early Childhood, but I think it will be a really valuable text for my students as a one-stop shop -- Mr Mark Wilkins * drupal *
a really good balance of information - I like the emphasis on reflective practice. I think the tasks based on a research paper are excellent - now that journals are available on line it is a good idea to get stduents to engage in this level of thinking. A few pictures might be nice! -- Mr Mark Wilkins * drupal *
Excellent text for L4 and L5 and I particularly like the extension / journal focussed activities for L6. A very useful resources for BEd, PGCE and BA ECS students! -- Mr Philip Selbie * drupal *
This text comes highly recommended. It is an enjoyable and informative read that introduces the reader to a broad range of interesting theories and key concepts that are discussed and debated within the field of Early Childhood Studies. A great companion to have if you are embarking on a university course or are already studying within the field of Early Years Education and Care as the book also provides very useful tips and guidance on how to develop your research and writing skills. -- Mrs Adele Roberts * drupal *
Very good, easy to read. -- Mrs Alicia James * drupal *
This book is set at exactly the correct level for the students enrolled onto Education Studies. This book will help them through this course and also be useful to them at University. It is well written and easy to follow, giving the student the chance to recap on the chapter they have read and test their own knowledge. The use of the Sage online resource site allows students to download charts etc rather than photocopying from the book. -- Mrs Cheryl Hine * drupal *
This book is useful as an additional book but is not dissimilar to other books by the same author. -- Mrs Claire Pescott * drupal *
An excellent book, essential reading for any student studying an early childhood programme. -- Mrs Debbie Jensen * drupal *
The content of this book follows a logical path making it accessible to involved with supporting young children′s learning and development. -- Mrs Denise Salter * drupal *
An excellent book for students to dip into. All the essential topics covered with excellent use of case studies that contextualize theories. Some thought provoking reflective tasks that encourage students to make links between theory and practice -- Mrs Denise Salter * drupal *
Fantastic, very relevant to the course I teach - have asked library to order copies for my students -- Mrs Fiona Routh * drupal *
For students studying at undergraduate level, this book offers a good level of information on current issues within the field of early childhood. The case studies and reflective practice elements provide an invaluable addition to this text, and would contribute enormously to students′ knowledge and understanding. -- Mrs Gillian Danby * drupal *
Goo dinformation within and easy for students to follow -- Mrs Hayley Roberts * drupal *
‘This book is essential reading for all involved in the study of early childhood, addressing key themes, ideas and topical debates relevant for early childhood students at undergraduate level. The Editors have provided a lucid, readable and clear contribution to our knowledge and understanding of early childhood.’ -- Mrs Helen Middleton * drupal *
Good all round text. -- Mrs Jan Gourd * drupal *
I couldn′t put this book down I took it to lectures at once yeaterday when it arrived --very good section environments for learing -- Mrs Jane Joyce * drupal *
Good – well set out; current covering key issues of early childhood. Good range of practical tasks to reinforce understanding of the content. I particularly like the focus for different levels with suggested reading – current and up to date which provides appropriate signposting for developing at an appropriate level -- Mrs Janet Harvell * drupal *
Good – well set out; current covering key issues of early childhood. Good range of practical tasks to reinforce understanding of the content. I particularly like the focus for different levels with suggested reading – current and up to date which provides appropriate signposting for developing at an appropriate level -- Mrs Janet Harvell * drupal *
Very good text for Early Years Teacher trainees in relation to all standards -- Mrs Janice Grinstead * drupal *
I have recommended this book for purchase to students studying the Foundation Degree Children and Young People. It has helped them to link theory to practice and will be useful to them throughout their 2 years of study. Students have found this an accessible read. -- Mrs Jaqueline Braithwaite * drupal *
An accessible and useful text with comprehensive coverage of child development themes. Chapter 11 is particularly useful detailing recent legislation and policy inititatives, setting them out in an easy to read manner for students. -- Mrs Jean Bourne * drupal *
Chapter 11 was particularly interesting regarding recent legislation and policy initiatives 1997 to present.

The reflection activities in Chapter 14 Safeguarding and Protecting Children were very helpful to my students. -- Mrs Karen Fullman * drupal *
A popular and user friendly book for students at undergraduate level. -- Mrs Karen Tait * drupal *
This book is well written and accessible to students at all levels. It covers all aspects of early child development in a clear and week thought out manner. -- Mrs Kathryn Nethercott * drupal *
I found this to be extremely informative with the intention of using as an essential reader for our extended degree covering the key concepts of early childhood.

I felt the tone was accessible to students in their first year of undergraduate learning, and the structure was well thought and easy to follow. -- Mrs Katie Ketcher * drupal *
Very detailed and informative. -- Mrs Louise Wormwell * drupal *
This is a useful book for students to dip in to. The chapters on reflective practice, health and wellbeing and safeguarding will be particularly helpful for our level 4 students. -- Mrs Mary-Louise Maynes * drupal *
A really good text for undergraduates, that is clearly written, with key information signposted for students. -- Mrs Melanie Mackinder * drupal *
Great book for early years students just beginning their studies as it gives a comprehensive overview which will relate to many of their studies. The level 6 extention activities make it relevant for students further on in their studies as well. -- Mrs Nicola Stobbs * drupal *
A solid text which covers key areas of Early Childhood for both Foundation Degre and BA Early Childhood Studies. Activities included to support enagagement with the subjects discussed -- Mrs Nikki Fairchild * drupal *
I found this book to be an essential tool in many ways. I have shown this to students who have found it beneficial in assisting them in completing assignments. I will certainly be recommending this text book to enhance learning. -- 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 ′pulled together′ within one text. -- Mrs Paula Hamilton * drupal *
This text gives students an insight to the complex world of early childhood, that future practitioners need to be aware of. The suggestions for reflection are excellent for extending students critical thinking and understanding. This is a good resource for students at level 4 and 5 of their undergraduate degree.
However, it is heavily focused on the Early Years Foundation Stage in England, giving only a very brief account of the practice and policy in Wales. For students studying in the United Kingdom this can cause confusion, as policies and practice can vary between England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
-- Mrs Ruth Davies * drupal *
This is an excellent and timely text that is a useful addition to the discipline and study of Early Childhood. -- Mrs Samantha Shaw * drupal *
This is a useful resource which covers a range of topics related to early years education and care. The reflection points are particularly useful and help to relate the theory to practice. -- Mrs Samantha Sutton-Tsang * drupal *
Clear and supportive in approach. This text will be recommended as a useful aid for students commencing their degree programme. The first few chapters provide a concise introduction, even directing students on how to study and participate fully in the academic side of their course.
The book then builds on each section addressing key aspects of early years. Reflective sections, case studies and the companion website offer lecturers useful tools to support course objectives and outcomes. -- Mrs Sandra Dumitrescu * drupal *
Broken down into manageable sections making it easier to source relevant information. Case studies offer the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions. -- Mrs Sara Castle * drupal *
Really good book, chapters all relevant to our course and layout of book easy to use and navigate. -- Mrs Sarah Collyer * drupal *
A very accessible text covering the main areas of the Foundation degree -- Mrs Shan Lockwood * drupal *
This is a well-written and accessible book which is supported by an impressive companion website. The case studies which can be found throughout the book can be used to encourage either individual reflection or group discussion in a classroom environment. There are useful summaries of the main theoretical perspectives within developmental psychology in Chapters 5-7 and a clearly explained review of recent legislation relating to Early Years practice in Chapter 11. A book I would recommend to students wishing to progress to Higher Education to study Early Years. -- Mrs Suzi Smale * drupal *
The book covers a wide range of Early Childhood issues. A very useful book for Early Childhood Students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level -- Mrs Svetlana Shivacheva * drupal *
A great starter book - well written and very accessible. -- Mrs Tanya Richardson * drupal *
I have used other books by Mukherji and particularly like her approach. This text book is particularly useful in that it not only provides some grounding in the subject i...