Understanding Early Years Policy

Lecturers, why waste time waiting for the post to arrive? Request your e-inspection copy today! 'Baldock et al is a core text for undergraduates and postgraduates interested in the complex and broad implications of Early Years policy and policy-making. This new edition offers insights into domestic and international perspectives on Early Years, and opportunities to increase understandings of how policy is shaped and applied through case studies and reflective exercises.' - Dr. Richard Race, Department of Education, University of Roehampton Fully updated to include all the latest developments in early years policy such as the revised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), this book explores how policy is made, implemented, analysed and developed over time. There is a complete overview of early years policy, and an evaluation of its ongoing impact on practice. Case studies, points for reflection and activities encourage discussion and critical thinking. This Third Edition has been significantly updated to include: - a new chapter on international 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 timeline of early years legislation. This text is an essential read for early years students at all levels, and early years practitioners. Peter Baldock worked extensively in Early Years education and was chair of the executive committees of two children's chartities based in Sheffield. Damien Fitzgerald and Janet Kay are both Principal Lecturers in Childhood Studies at Sheffield Hallam University.

Table of Contents:
What Is Policy and Why Is It Important? The Development of Early Years Policy so Far Influences on Early Years Policy Development Implementing Early Years Policy Early Years Policy in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland: The Impact of Devolution The International Dimension of Policy-making The Impact of Policy Analyzing the Impact of Policy Conclusion Glossary References Useful Websites Index

About the Author :
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.

Review :
'Baldock et al is a core text for undergraduates and postgraduates interested in the complex and broad implications of Early Years policy and policy-making. This new edition offers insights into domestic and international perspectives on Early Years, and opportunities to increase understandings of how policy is shaped and applied through case studies and reflective exercises.' - Dr. Richard Race, Department of Education, University of Roehampton