The concept of readiness for school is attractive to policy-makers, but many academics, researchers and practitioners argue that an early start to formal learning may be misguided. This book introduces readers to an increasing body of evidence which demonstrates that young children need opportunities to learn and develop in environments that support their emotional and cognitive needs, offering opportunities to develop autonomy, competence and self-regulation skills.

With advice on implementing research findings in practice, this book provides clear guidance on how to foster and...

The concept of readiness for school is attractive to policy-makers, but many academics, researchers and practitioners argue that an early start to formal learning may be misguided. This book introduces readers to an increasing body of evidence which demonstrates that young children need opportunities to learn and develop in environments that support their emotional and cognitive needs, offering opportunities to develop autonomy, competence and self-regulation skills.

With advice on implementing research findings in practice, this book provides clear guidance on how to foster and...

A focal point of early childhood education is how young children build knowledge and the ways that practitioners, parents and carers can help them to do so. Many adults find it challenging to identify what knowledge young children are building and how they do so, making it difficult to support young children's learning and development in the most effective ways. This essential guide will help you to identify and develop young children's knowledge and understanding in early years settings, not only in terms of statutory requirements but far beyond them.

A focal point of early childhood education is how young children build knowledge and the ways that practitioners, parents and carers can help them to do so. Many adults find it challenging to identify what knowledge young children are building and how they do so, making it difficult to support young children's learning and development in the most effective ways. This essential guide will help you to identify and develop young children's knowledge and understanding in early years settings, not only in terms of statutory requirements but far beyond them.

Grounded in recent research on the challenges with working with two-year-olds, this book explores how two-year-olds are presented in both policy and practice, and discusses why working with this age group is both exciting and rewarding. Through developing the readers' theoretical understanding of child development, high quality provision and pedagogical practices, this book also explores practical solutions to working with two-year-olds and their families, conducive environments, professional development and the challenges of working with other agencies.