Its clear style and comprehensive coverage make this book an important resource for those researching child care and education practices in the European Union' - "NNEB News " This book would be a useful "quick reference" addition to the library of anyone interested in international issues in education' - "International Journal of Early Years Education " This study provides rigorous and incisive analysis of the data in relation to the conditions existing in each of the member states included in the work' - "Studies in Education " The book is accessible and informative, with a wealth of data which are clearly presented. It will be useful to further and higher education courses for all adults who work with young children' - "Educational Psychology " This book is written by leading representatives in the field of early childhood from eight European countries - Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. The contributors provide an analysis of the history, philosophy and politics of the forms of provision for young children in their own countries, and the extent to which that provision is deemed to be educational in its general aims.

Highly Commended (Third prize) in the Standing Conference on Studies in Education book prize for books published in 1999. `It was a breath of fresh air to see ′contentious′ issues dealt with in an enlightened and informative way. We are certain it will move the debate on years!′ - Chrissie Meleady, Sheffield Childrens′ Centre `Looks most interesting and will certainly be very useful′ - Bronwen Cohen, Director, Children in Scotland `It′s a challenging and exciting book and I hope it is widely used′ - Margy Whalley, Director, Pen Green Research, Development and Training Base, Pen Green Centre for Under 5′s and Their Families `An extremely interesting account. This book highlights some very important tensions and contradictions about the role of men in childcare work. The differing perceptions of women and men concerning men′s involvement in childcare are particularly thoughtfully documented′ - Peter Aggleton, Director, Thomas Coram Research Unit, University of London `An essential book for the debate on gender and childcare... the more academic childcare students will cope with it, will be good for Second year BTEC students, `A′ Level students′ - Robin Wright, Lecturer, Bournemouth and Poole College of Higher Education `Having been a lone male worker, this book has stimulate discussion on gender and how we need to wrestle and value difference. For that reason alone its worth buying′ - Practical Parenting

This book examines 12 nurseries in three countries - how they are organized, who works in them, and which children attend them. In particular, it explores what staff think about the work they are doing, how they view it, and whether or not they enjoy it. The author traces how these views and opinions are translated into action, and how they affect the children. She also explores what contribution the context and location of the nurseries makes to their practice. The author compares her observations of daily practice in these nurseries, and draws valuable conclusions about the values and practices which support good nursery provision.