Foundation Years and Why They Matter presents a selection of case studies illustrating the diversity of foundation year provision and delivering a compelling narrative about what foundation years are, what they do, how they do it, and the impact they have.

This handbook presents the Early Years Foundation Stage (updated in 2021) as a handy reference copy for early years practitioners whether in training or in practice.

This practical text supports early years students and practitioners to build confidence in planning for learning across all stages of the EYFS and in the many different contexts in which it is delivered.

The new edition of this book aims to critically examine the new EYFS and the key elements of the revised framework document.

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.

Written by academics, practitioners and policy makers interested or involved in the development of the Birth to Three Matters framework, this book argues that parent engagement is essential for developing partnerships within communities in order to give children the best start in life, and shows how this can be achieved.

This book explores the important role of parents and the extended family in the lives of babies and young children. It complements and extends the DfES Birth to Three Matters framework, which supports practitioners in working with children aged birth to three, and builds on the information provided in the companion book Birth to Three Matters: Supporting the Framework of Effective Practice (Open University Press, 2004). Written by academics, practitioners and policy makers interested or involved in the development of the Birth to Three Matters framework, this book argues that parent engagement is essential for developing partnerships within communities in order to give children the best start in life, and shows how this can be achieved. The book: Discusses ways in which services may be developed to involve parents more fully in the care and education of babies and young children Looks at the powerful role of parents and grandparents in the lives of children Considers how skilled practitioners can manage relationships to provide support for both parents and children at difficult times Explores the ways in which parents can be helped to fulfil their own needs at the same time as meeting their children’s needs Includes discussion of families whose children have special needs or disabilities Parents Matter is essential reading for early years professionals and students on courses in Early Education, as well as policy makers, professional development trainers, local authority trainers, social workers and health visitors who work with very young children.