`The book takes a deeper insight into the role of the practitioner and provides invaluable information′ – Nursery Education `I think the book would be good value for money for anyone working within a foundation stage team′ - Foundation Stage File `The Foundation Stage Teacher in Action is one of the definitive texts on the foundation stage, in which Margaret Edgington deals with the realities of practice based on theory and early years principles. It is immensely practical and easy to read, and while it deserves to be read from cover to cover, this New Edition is particularly accessible for those who want to dip in or who need to refer to a specific chapter′ - Early Education `If you are new to the Foundation Stage, have been working in the Early Years for a few years, or for longer than you care to remember, if you have responsibility for employing staff for the Foundation Stage within your setting or if you work in a different key stage but have co-ordinator responsibility for the Foundation Stage, you should buy this book!′ - National Campaign for Nursery Education Newsletter ′This is classic in the world of nursery education and this Third Edition, with its new title reflecting the changes in that world, is as exciting and challenging as earlier versions. Margaret Edgington′s campaigning zeal is undiminished as she asserts the prime need for specialist teachers to work with young children in the Foundation Stage and backs this claim with authoritative research references. This is a strong, passionate authoritative text and I shall keep it close to hand for my own work′ - Marian Whitehead, Nursery World `This is the third generation of books dealing with the pedagogy of the early years from Margaret Edgington, the first two being her editions of The Nursery Teacher in Action, originally published under the name Margaret Lally. The changes that have come about in early years education - notably the introduction of the Foundation Stage with its accompanying curriculum guidance and assessment requirements - meant that many early years books have needed updating. This Third Edition is more than an update; it represents some very hard thinking about what practitioners now need to know to be effective, and presents this by revisiting the original book′s themes′ - Escalate `Paul Chapman Publishing and Margaret Edgington have pulled off a real gem of a book, with updated sections (thank you for the Forest school stuff, for example!) and fresh insights. The hard work has really paid off - thanks so much′ - Nick Swarbrick, Oxford Brookes University `This Third Edition brings a broader perspective to the early years world. Margaret′s years of experience as a practitioner and consultant in the field are evident and she manages to blend good practice, policy and theoretical aspects, bringing an astute yet sensitive approach to the early years practitioners′ varied experiences and qualifications. The book reaches not only those who are starting on their careers as early years practitioners, but also those who have been there a long time and witnessed many, often bewildering changes, where their beliefs and practice have been challenged. The new edition should be essential reading not only for those working in the field, whatever stage in their careers, but also for anyone who seeks to understand small children and support them in the best way possible′ - Angela D Nurse, Head of Department of Childhood Studies, Canterbury Christ Church University This is a fully revised and updated edition of the author′s best selling book The Nursery Teacher in Action, Second Edition. This book now includes an extended section on leadership, on managing the foundation stage and involving the team in monitoring and evaluating foundation stage practice. Curriculum, planning and assessment now reflect the new statutory guidance on the Foundation Stage Curriculum and Profile. The author reviews the implementation of the Foundation Stage and the Profile - positive developments and areas which are still proving challenging. New material is included on the broadening role of the foundation stage teacher in integrated, multi-disciplinary services and providing support in other settings. The book has been updated to include recent findings from Effective Pedagogy projects and other research on learning styles. The Foundation Stage Teacher is essential reading for all early years students and practitioners; early years course tutors, and teachers new to working with 3-5 year olds and also primary headteachers.

A fully revised edition of the author's best selling book, this resource now includes an extended section on leadership, and managing the foundation stage.

Key to Learning is a unique programme of cognitive development activities for the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 based on the concepts of Lev Vygotsky, one of the 20th century’s most influential theorists in the field of early years education.

Children learn best when they follow their own interests. They have a natural desire to explore, communicate, create and learn. Anna Ephgrave has developed her practice to ensure this is possible. Children thrive when a setting is organised and managed by the adults, but led by the children. They learn and develop if they are in a stimulating environment which is carefully organised and when observations are used to support their "next steps". They take risks and surpass expectations when they have clear routines and boundaries, combined with a supportive staff and an enabling environment. The Reception Year in Action offers a unique insight into the workings of a highly successful reception class as it progresses through a complete academic year. Covering all aspects of working with young children, the book clearly explains how the classroom and garden are organised and the boundaries that are in place to keep children safe, happy and free to explore and learn. It then sets out the examples of learning and development that occurred during each month, as well as any surprises, activities and examples of "next steps" that came about as a result of events. At each stage Anna Ephgrave gives the reason behind the decisions and shows what the outcomes have been for the children. Key features include: explanation of a system of spontaneous planning detailed advice on how to use different environments to support play and learning guidance on the role of the adult and working with parents ways to support children’s individual interests, cirumstances and talents including those with special needs and English as an additional language photocopiable pages of planning sheets, record keeping sheets, sample letters to parents and role play resources over 150 full-colour photographs to illustrate practice list of resources and materials examples of recorded observations and planning for next steps foreword by Helen Bilton. This book aims to inspire teachers by giving them the practical ideas, and evidence of success, to work in a way that is rewarding, manageable and, above all, best for the children in their care.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) came into force in September 2008 and established a framework for providing learning, development and care for children from birth to five. This book examines the EYFS within the context of Achieving QTS and is a core text for primary trainees covering this stage of children′s learning. It links the principles and commitments of the EYFS with the new standards for QTS while covering all required content. The book examines the continuous nature of learning from birth to five, the inter-relatedness between care, learning and development, and the importance of sensitive transitions.

How can early years practitioners build on children’s competence and autonomy as effective early learners? How do adults get to know children sufficiently well to plan effectively for their learning needs? How can early years practitioners plan for high quality child-initiated experiences alongside more focused adult-initiated learning? Early years practitioners continue to face the dilemma of planning for the needs of individual children whilst meeting the demands of targets and goals set by government. In such a pressurized climate, it can be all too easy to go with what is imposed, rather than stand up for what young children need and are entitled to. In a practical and realistic way, the third edition of Starting from the Child supports practitioners in the Foundation Stage to be advocates for young children and their learning needs. Julie Fisher outlines the important theories and research which should underpin decisions about best practice. She offers meaningful and inspirational ways of developing appropriate learning environments and experiences for Foundation Stage children. Revised and updated throughout, the new edition includes: Latest research impacting on our understanding of early learning Reference to recent government initiatives such as the Early Years Foundation Stage An extended explanation of how to plan for child-initiated learning alongside adult-initiated learning A completely revised chapter on ‘The place of play’, with a new focus on different types and contexts for play, cultural influences and the role of the adult in supporting play Two new chapters on the observation and assessment of children’s learning, and self-evaluation for practitioners Starting from the Child is essential reading, not only for early years practitioners, but for all those who manage and make decisions about early learning.

"This book offers a unique and critical approach to the theme of adults working in early years settings through a focus on seven key dimensions encompassed in the term 'the plural practitioner'. The discussion is strongly underpinned by a consideration of the two important principles of child centredness and social justice. The authors also draw on multiple perspectives, including the role of neuroscience and socio cultural perspectives, to consider who these early years professional are and the complexity of what they bring to their work." Linda Miller, Professor Emeritus, Early Years, The Open University, UK This essential book focuses on the adult role within early years education and care. The book introduces the concept of the 'plural practitioner', which acknowledges that the role of the adult in early years settings is complex and entails many different responsibilities. The book argues that the 'plural practitioner' can create quality early years provision by implementing child-centred and socially just practices. The idea of the 'plural practitioner' is embedded in theory and research, providing a robust rationale and framework to help early years practitioners understand of a range of theories and relate them to their work with young children. The book includes: Discussion of the seven different dimensions of the adult role - to help practitioners reflect on the multiple and complex ways in which they work with young children including: The Critical Reflector, The Carer, The Communicator, The Facilitator, The Observer, The Assessor and The Creator Key questions at the end of each chapter to stimulate further reflection and reading Case study examples of real practitioner experiences The Role of the Adult in Early Years Settings will appeal to all students and practitioners either planning to or currently working in early years settings and aiming to develop their practice.

The long-awaited new edition of NAEYC's book Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs is here, fully revised and updated! Since the first edition in 1987, it has been an essential resource for the early childhood education field. Early childhood educators have a professional responsibility to plan and implement intentional, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that promote the social and emotional development, physical development and health, cognitive development, and general learning competencies of each child served. But what is developmentally appropriate practice (DAP)? DAP is a framework designed to promote young children's optimal learning and development through a strengths-based approach to joyful, engaged learning. As educators make decisions to support each child's learning and development, they consider what they know about (1) commonality in children's development and learning, (2) each child as an individual (within the context of their family and community), and (3) everything discernible about the social and cultural contexts for each child, each educator, and the program as a whole. This latest edition of the book is fully revised to underscore the critical role social and cultural contexts play in child development and learning, including new research about implicit bias and teachers' own context and consideration of advances in neuroscience. Educators implement developmentally appropriate practice by recognizing the many assets all young children bring to the early learning program as individuals and as members of families and communities. They also develop an awareness of their own context. Building on each child's strengths, educators design and implement learning settings to help each child achieve their full potential across all domains of development and across all content areas.

Presenting a balance of theoretical insight and practical advice, this text is a clear and accessible guide to the key issues relating to primary education. Alphabetically arranged and fully cross-referenced to ensure ease of use, entries include both curriculum specific terms, as well as those that are more generic, such as: assessment objectives coping strategies differentiation behaviour special needs time management. Written by an experienced teacher and lecturer, this is a concise yet comprehensive text that takes into account the everyday realities of teaching. Readable and user-friendly, it is a first-class resource for the primary practitioner at all levels.

Examining Levels of Involvement in the Early Years studies the theory and rationale behind using young children’s levels of involvement as a tool for enhancing their experiential learning in diverse settings by exploring values, beliefs, ideology, resourcefulness and environmental contexts. Drawing on Laevers’ process-oriented Self-evaluation Instrument for Care Settings and the Leuven Involvement Scale for Young Children, this book examines the theoretical constructs that underpin the development of these instruments as well as the practical implications of how and why practitioners may use the scales in their settings. More importantly, it looks at children’s deep level learning capabilities and reflects on the engaging possibilities this presents. Using encounters with children and adults from a range of settings, it covers: • connecting levels of involvement with local, national, international and theoretical approaches; • embracing levels of involvement; • involving the environment; • levels of outdoor involvement; • engaging with adult involvement; • nurturing involvement through observation, assessment and planning. Including contributions from experts in the field, this book will be essential reading for students, trainee early years practitioners and all those wanting to continue their professional learning.