This Act implements proposals contained in the White paper "Higher Standards, Better Schools For All" (Cm.6677). It will enable:all schools to become Trust schools by forming links with external partners and thereby own their own assets and be ablle to set their admission arrangements. Local authorities will take on a new strategic role including:duties to promote choice, diversity, high standards and the fulfilment of potential for every child; a duty to respond to parental concerns about the quality of local schools; cting as decision-maker on school organisation matters; responsibility for making sure young people have a range of exciting things to do in their spare time; appoint School Improvement Partners for maintained schools; provide positive activities for young people. The Act will also tighten the admissions framework and reaffirm the ban on new selection by ability; place a ban on interviewing; and strengthening the status of the Code on School Admissions. In addition there will be new powers: for staff to discipline pupils;extend the scope of parenting orders and contracts; establish new nutritional standards for food and drink served in maintained schools. Existing inspectorates will merge into a single inspectorate (Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills)to cover the full range of services for children and young people, as well as life-long learning.

An useful guide to The Childcare Act 2006 for professionals working in children's services.

An Act to make provision in connection with the protection of children and vulnerable adults. Royal assent, 8th November 2006. Explanatory notes, prepared by the Department for Education and Skills, have been produced to assist in the understanding of this Act and are available separately (ISBN 9780105647065)

Dated May 2007. With correction slip dated May 2007

The purpose of the Act is, first, to change the statutory framework to put a duty on all young people in England to participate in education or training until the age of 18, with corresponding duties on local education authorities and employers to enable and support participation. Second, it amends legislation about the provision of adult education and training, and support for young people. Third, the Act changes the regulatory framework for inspection of independent educational institutions, non-maintained special schools and providers of initial teacher training. Fourth, the Act makes changes to the legislative competence of the National Assembly for Wales in the field of education and training. The Act also includes a number of miscellaneous provisions in relation to admissions, behaviour, National Curriculum assessment arrangements, considering the views of children, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and schools forums. The Act is organised into five Parts with two Schedules. Schedule 1 deals with minor and consequential amendments and Schedule 2 covers repeals and revocations.

Put together by an outstanding author team, including many authors from the University of Northampton, An Introduction to Early Childhood is a much loved book that helps you explore all the major themes in early years education and care, while providing you with real insight into the changing world of early childhood. To further support your study, this edition has been expanded to include five new chapters including The History of Childhood, Play and Creativity, Children and the Media, Leadership and Management, and Reflective Practice. This book further supports your study with outstanding learning features including: · Chapter objectives and introduction immediately introduce you to chapter concepts saving you time · More case studies provide deeper insight into how theory works in practice · Research in context boxes show how recent research is changing the world of early years · Reflective questions encourage you to think like a reflective practitioner · Chapter summaries aid your revision by recapping core concepts covered in each chapter · Further reading and recommended websites direct you to additional resources to further support your study. This book also comes with a new companion website with access a wealth of additional resources including: Child Observation Videos give students a peek into a real Early Years settings and insight into child behaviour. These track particular children at different stages in their development, showing videos of the children 12 months apart in order to observe their development. Great basis for seminar discussions and student assignments. Employability podcasts providing hints and tips about going on your first placement and getting your first job Podcasts from chapter authors providing deeper insight into key topics Free SAGE Journal Articles to deepen students′ understanding on core topics Web links directing to useful websites for further study and support in practice.

This interdisciplinary core textbook looks at learning and development from birth to 19 years, and provides an accessible introduction to the common areas of study across the many roles supporting learning and development. There is coverage of common themes and issues, and theory is closely integrated with practice throughout. Chapters cover: physical development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, professionalism, leadership, quality and effectiveness, working with families, safeguarding and promoting well-being, transitions, and equality and inclusion. Reflection points, workplace activities and professional development planners are all included, and these challenge readers and students to critically engage with theory in their own practice.