Exploring Childhood in a Comparative Context meets an increasing need for students focusing on early childhood to be familiar with alternative practices in other countries. Providing a ready-made source of information about a wide range of countries including Finland, the Netherlands, the United States, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa and many more, the book clearly describes the way each country understands and conceptualises childhood. Each chapter includes contextual information about the country, an introduction to the theory that has shaped practice and describes the curriculum for pre-school and primary education. Including vignettes from practitioners working in each country to illustrate practice, the chapters explore key themes such as: Child development Parental involvement Teaching and learning Professionalism Assessment Pupil experience. Accessibly written and including opportunities for reflection, this timely new book will give students a valuable insight into alternative education systems that is essential if they are to become practitioners with a current and global approach.

While the provision in Children’s and Young People’s Services endures much change and turbulence, the calling for well qualified and critically reflective practitioners remains ever present. This innovative and accessible core textbook explores the key themes, ideas, concepts and topics that are central to practitioners working across the 0-19 sector. It aims to help students develop the professional knowledge, practical skills and core values they need to work effectively with children and young people. Clearly divided into four sections; the practitioner, the learner, the workplace and the community, the book covers a broad range of issues including: The different roles and responsibilities of the workforce Multi-agency working and its challenges Working with parents, carers and the community Supporting children with additional needs and meeting the needs of gifted learners Work-based reflective practice Language learning and communication At each stage the book facilitates opportunities for personal and professional reflection, discussion, debate and action through case studies, activities, reflective tasks, areas for further consideration, and annotated further readings. The text also features a glossary of terms and links to practice standards. The book is supported by a free companion website featuring instructor resources such as assignable case studies, reflective tasks and activities, tables and figures from the book available to download, and sample chapters from the book; and student resources including helpful links to further information, links to relevant video material, and an interactive flashcard glossary. Empowering the Children’s and Young People’s Workforce seeks to empower the reader by supporting their initial and continuing professional development, enabling them to positively influence provision for children and young people. It is essential reading for anyone studying or working in this sector.

There is a growing demand for educational professionals to develop a more critical understanding of the key and emerging debates in education so that they can better meet the challenges and demands placed upon them. Exploring Education at Postgraduate Level represents a range of perspectives from educational experts to academic researchers, and highlights the key issues surrounding contemporary education. Organised into three parts and drawing on key issues in education theory, policy and practice, the book considers areas such as SEN, evaluating learning, ESOL and gender. Featuring reflective questions, case studies and summaries of core ideas, the chapters include: Troublesome learning journey; Applying educational thinkers to contemporary educational practice; Values production through social and emotional learning; Policy research: In defence ad hocery?; We are all critically reflective now: The politics of critical reflection in higher education and in the work place; Developing critical thought about SEN; The refuge of relativism. Aimed at supporting students on Masters-level courses, this acessible but critically provocative text is an essential resource for those wishing to develop a more critical understanding of the role, purpose and function of educational systems and practices.

Young Voices Unheard: Children’s Views from Scotland and Greece on Education is a compelling exploration of the perspectives of five to six-year-old children in Greece and Scotland regarding various aspects of their school experiences and their awareness of children's rights. This enlightening book aims to uncover which rights children prioritize and value most in their educational environment, shedding light on critical issues related to their schooling. The book divides its content into two main parts. The theoretical section offers a comprehensive overview of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and its implications for children's education, emphasizing the importance of respecting children's rights. The author also provides an overview of schooling models for young children. The empirical research section employs a meticulous methodology, involving focus group sessions with 56 children from both Greece and Scotland. Through these sessions, the book captures children's views on three distinct school models, each representing a different degree of adherence to children's rights. The data analysis reveals that young children prioritize rights such as the right to play, safety, consultation, and education. In essence, Young Voices Unheard offers a unique and valuable perspective on children's rights in education. By giving voice to young children and considering their views on educational practices and provisions, this book contributes to the ongoing dialogue about creating more inclusive and rights-respecting educational environments around the world. It serves as a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and researchers seeking to better understand and enhance the educational experiences of young children.

An understanding of Child Development is necessary for early childhood students as it underpins all early year’s practice and curricula. This book provides students with an in-depth understanding of the research, theory and current practice, supporting them through a complex area. Offering a fresh take, this book examines child development through a range of disciplines including psychology, education, sociology, anthropology and philosophy. Chapters are structured to support readers in understanding complex theory, with key features such as case studies which put theory into practice, reflective questions to encourage critical thinking, chapter summaries, further reading, and more. Amanda Thomas is Senior Lecturer in Education at University of South Wales. Alyson Lewis is Lecturer in Education Development at Cardiff University.

The Shifting Global World of Youth and Education explores how increasing migration and population changes are having an unprecedented impact on global education. Given that the number of children of migrant background is growing internationally, there is a need for increasing awareness of the educational attainment and cultural integration of this population group. This book presents international perspectives on migration and youth and analyses what kinds of effects such demographic changes are having on educational systems around the world. The chapters in this volume provide a fascinating insight into how countries around the world are dealing with loss or growth in their young population as well as changes to their education systems. Written by specialist academics from the relevant country, the book covers Cuba, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, the United States, Finland, Greece, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Latvia, China, Australia, India, Italy and Poland. Taking into consideration the countries’ social and political context, the chapters discuss educational issues surrounding curriculum, assessment and the opportunities available for the support of young people. Conclusions are drawn about what could be done in the future for the benefit of both the migrant and the existing populations. The Shifting Global World of Youth and Education will be of great interest to academics, researchers and postgraduate students in the disciplines of education, sociology, political sciences and social work. The book will also give secondary teachers, teaching assistants, social workers and youth workers the opportunity to reflect on their role within a national and international context.

This book examines the philosophical and theoretical foundations of early years practice, and supports practitioners as they reflect on the collective and personal rationales which motivate and inform their work with young children. Theoretical underpinnings are explored from a variety of perspectives, and are translated into effective strategies for application in a range of early years settings. Featuring contributions from leading early years professionals, The Philosophy and Practice of Outstanding Early Years Provision draws on sound expertise to deepen the reader’s understanding of the concepts and ideas behind everyday practice. The book is divided into four easily navigated sections which explore key issues including the creation of enabling environments, leadership in the early years, the opportunities and challenges presented by diversity, and the value of creative approaches. Recommended strategies are discussed in relation to emerging global pressures and the needs of the contemporary child, inviting practitioners to modify and enhance future behaviour and practice. This will be essential reading for students and practitioners who wish to improve current and future practice by gaining insight into the philosophical foundations which underpin outstanding provision.