"This book is written in an accessibly but authoritative style and will be a very valuable addition to any setting's professional development and staff training resources" Early Years Update, June 2012

"This book offers a unique and critical approach to the theme of adults working in early years settings through a focus on seven key dimensions encompassed in the term 'the plural practitioner'. The discussion is strongly underpinned by a consideration of the two important principles of child centredness and social justice. The authors also draw on multiple perspectives, including the role of neuroscience and socio cultural perspectives, to consider who these early years professional are and the complexity of what they bring to their work." Linda Miller, Professor Emeritus, Early Years, The Open University, UK This essential book focuses on the adult role within early years education and care. The book introduces the concept of the 'plural practitioner', which acknowledges that the role of the adult in early years settings is complex and entails many different responsibilities. The book argues that the 'plural practitioner' can create quality early years provision by implementing child-centred and socially just practices. The idea of the 'plural practitioner' is embedded in theory and research, providing a robust rationale and framework to help early years practitioners understand of a range of theories and relate them to their work with young children. The book includes: Discussion of the seven different dimensions of the adult role - to help practitioners reflect on the multiple and complex ways in which they work with young children including: The Critical Reflector, The Carer, The Communicator, The Facilitator, The Observer, The Assessor and The Creator Key questions at the end of each chapter to stimulate further reflection and reading Case study examples of real practitioner experiences The Role of the Adult in Early Years Settings will appeal to all students and practitioners either planning to or currently working in early years settings and aiming to develop their practice.

This new edition provides a comprehensive guide for safeguarding and child protection in the early years. Aimed at both students and practitioners, it offers clear insight and guidance into the legal and policy foundations for effective safeguarding practice, together with both the historical context and also more contemporary developments in safeguarding practice in the early years sector. This second edition has been fully updated to reflect current legislation and includes new material on interagency work, supporting children’s resilience and safeguarding all children. Drawing on the everyday dilemmas and experiences of early years professionals, it helps you to find solutions to both practical and moral issues in a context of legal duties and responsibilities. The chapters consider: the historical context of safeguarding and child protection the legislative framework around safeguarding and child protection safeguarding through inter-professional and multidisciplinary work the identification of neglect in early years children the consequential abuse that can occur as a result of parental behaviours safeguarding children’s health and wellbeing safeguarding as a member of a team, and the importance of communication safeguarding against the misuse of technology. Safeguarding and Protecting Children in the Early Years has been written by a multidisciplinary team of academics from a breadth of UK universities, with a wealth of experience in safeguarding and child protection, the EYFS, health visiting, social work, the police and in leading and managing services for children and families. This second edition is essential reading for anyone working with or aspiring to work with children in the early years.

This book is an accessible knowledge base for the whole area of child abuse and child protection, now fully updated in terms of policy, cases and research.

′The book gives excellent insight of current Early Years topics by covering international educational approaches and discussing the need to professionalise the sector. It is suitable for students on Early Childhood Studies programme, EYPS, and Early Years Foundation Degrees.′ - Eva Mikuska, Senior Lecturer at University of Chichester, MA, EYPS, and Programme Leader for the Foundation Degree in Early Childhood By examining how young children develop and learn from conception through to the age of eight, this book explores ways to enhance professional practice in the early years. Sections cover: - Child development (including recent research into cognitive development of babies) - The child in the socio-cultural context - International educational approaches - The developing professional. Learning Features: - Key learning points identify at a glance what each chapter will cover - Case studies help you link theory to practice - Reflective activities help you reflect on how to apply ideas to practice - Further reading directs you to additional resources to deepen your understanding. Illustrated with examples of practice from a range of settings, this accessible text is essential reading for all those studying on Early Years, Early Childhood Studies and Early Years Education and Care courses. Additional online material/support:

Drawing on research, The Baby Room considers development issues and research areas concerned with and in relation to the care and development of babies and very young children, with a focus on talk, relationships and environments.

In this stimulating and provocative book the editors have drawn together a diverse and international range of respected authors, each of whom has taken a critical approach to the contentious question of how you define and achieve quality early childhood services. It is a book designed to provoke and promote critical dialogue and discourse amongst practitioners and students through critical engagement with the position of the authors within the text. I believe anyone who reads this book will be inspired and motivated to challenge and extend their thinking and professional practice, adopting the critical stance which lies at the heart of quality services for children and families. Professor Chris Pascal, Director of Centre for Research in Early Childhood (CREC) Early childhood is a complex and important area of study where it is important to develop your critical thinking and reflect upon key issues. This book will help do both. It explores interrelated topics such as: Child development Play Safeguarding Professionalism Curriculum and Policy Each chapter will not only engage with what you need to know but help you develop your academic skills. The book also comes with lots of online resources and include: Podcasts from the authors of each chapter so you can better understand the key concepts PowerPoints to help you revise the essential information Journal articles related to each chapter provide further reading Michael Reed and Rosie Walker are both Senior Lecturers in Early Childhood at the Institute of Education, University of Worcester.