Fully updated to reflect the changes to the Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) qualification, this second edition remains the essential handbook to support all those considering or working towards EYPS and on whichever pathway they embark. Organised into three parts, the text starts by leading you through the initial requirements for entry to the programme, providing an overview of the different pathways. It goes on to focus on the standards against which all EYP candidates are tested, and then finally looks at the new validation process and beyond. Although closely linked to the standards required for EYPS, and their relationship with the Early Years Foundation Stage, the book is not a standard-by-standard manual; it supports you in developing an organic, holistic perspective on childcare and education, combining practical skills with knowledge development. The text includes case studies based on real practice scenarios, ideas for practical activities, further reading, reflection, interviews and advice from EYPS candidates who have successfully negotiated the validation process.

Previously published as The Early Years Professional’s Complete Companion, this new edition has been thoroughly updated and is the essential resource for aspiring and existing leaders of early years practice. Covering a wide range of theoretical and practical concepts, this book helps the reader consider how they can develop excellent practice within their unique setting. Divided into three distinct sections, the book begins by exploring the origins of early years practice, before discussing principles in development, social policy and child protection. The second section considers what constitutes high quality practice, and reflects on the role of emotional security, environment, and adults in shaping children’s learning and development. The third and final section examines how activities associated with continued professional development impact on teaching standards, before finishing with a discussion on international perspectives on early years practice. Key features include: New chapters on safeguarding, children’s rights, continuous professional development and international perspectives of early years practice. Chapter objectives, tasks and links to the Early Years Foundation Stage. Case studies with questions for reflection to promote critical thinking. New developments in the early years practice arena are outlined, including the emergence of Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). This book is an essential text for those working towards qualifications in early years teaching and leading practice, and provides a flexible basis for tutors, trainers, assessors and mentors to further develop programmes of education and training. It will also appeal to teachers and practitioners interested in considering potential routes for continuing their professional development.

The Early Years Handbook for Students and Practitioners is a comprehensive and accessible course text for all students studying at levels 4 and 5, including on Foundation Degrees and Early Childhood Studies degrees. Designed and written by the Chair of the SEFDEY (Sector-Endorsed Foundation Degree in Early Years) Network and a team of expert contributors, this book covers the essential skills, knowledge and understanding you need to become an inspiring and effective early years practitioner. Divided into four parts: The Student-Practitioner-Professional; The Learning and Development of Children 0-5; The Child, Family and Society; and The Senior Practitioner-Professional, the book covers all aspects of working with young children and engages you with theory that is explicitly linked to your practice. Throughout there is a strong emphasis on supporting your transition to undergraduate study, developing your academic skills and encouraging you to be an active learner. In every chapter, the book seeks to help you develop your professional identity and features: Activities to help you to reflect on your own practice ‘Provocations’ to promote discussion and debate Case study examples and photographs to illustrate key points ‘From Research to Practice’ boxes outlining key research in the field and implications for practice. The book is supported by a companion website featuring, for students, links to useful websites and video material, and an interactive flashcard glossary. Online support for lecturers includes ideas for tasks and activities to use in class and the diagrams and images in the book available to download.

Additional resources available online! Encompassing the Teaching Agency 2012 new-era EYPS standards, this new edition provides up-to-date advice and guidance grounded in current reading, research and government policy for all those training to achieve Early Years Professional Status (EYPS). The new edition features: - the Teaching Agency (2012) EYPS national standards - the new-era EYPS assessment process - explicit information on the new-era EYPS national requirements - ideas and examples of early years leadership and practice - more on how to manage change. The book offers support to those on all four pathways to achieve EYPS: - Undergraduate Entry Pathway (UEP) - Undergraduate Practitioner Pathway (UPP) - Graduate Entry Pathway (GEP) - Graduate Practitioner Pathway (GPP). Each chapter includes case studies, photographs illustrating practice, reflective practice tasks and suggested further reading and useful Websites. Journal articles linked to each chapter are available to read online via the SAGE website at www.sagepub.co.uk/Reardon2e Denise Reardon is Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) Programme Director at Canterbury Christ Church University. ′Denise′s second edition of Achieving Early Years Professional Status is every bit as readable and useful as its forerunner. Updated to reflect both the 2012 EYPS Standards and current government policy, including on safeguarding, this book offers us a menu of engaging explanatory accounts and insights that both support and challenge aspiring and existing Early Years Professionals, so that they can better reflect on their own and others′ practice and take positive actions to improve the life chances of our youngest children.′ - Maureen Lee, Programme Leader for EYPS and Director of Early Years, Best Practice Network

This book provides an introduction to the theory and practice of mentoring, coaching and supervision in the context of early childhood education and care. Written by a team of scholars from the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and the USA the book includes a range of annotated case studies to exemplify important issues from around the world. The chapters are organized around four key principles: · Embedding professional one to one support within the setting · Maximising performance and professional development · Self and collaborative reflection for leadership · Managing and leading change Topics covered include discussion of the differences and similarities between mentoring, coaching and supervision; management and leadership in early childhood settings; safeguarding and child protection. Alongside the annotated case studies each chapter also includes a summary of key points and questions for further discussion.

′An essential read for trainee and newly qualified teachers covering all key areas of the primary curriculum. There is a real sense of experienced and enthusiastic practitioners writing about "what makes good" and why, with lots of clear practical examples of how to put ideas into practice.′ - Jackie Keith, Deputy Head and Programme Leader for School Direct, London East Teacher Training Alliance To be a successful teacher in primary schools you need to have an informed understanding of a wide range of subjects. This book provides clear guidance of good practice teaching different subjects in primary education, informed by current curriculum directions, and full of practical advice for the classroom. Key features: Clear links to the 2014 National Curriculum in England ′In the classroom′ examples from schools demonstrate intelligent and engaging ways to teach different subjects Reflective questions challenge you to critically engage with what you have read and apply it to your own teaching This is essential reading for students on primary initial teacher education courses, including university-based (PGCE, BA QTS, BEd), school-based (SCITT, School Direct) and employment-based routes into teaching.

This brand new text breaks the mould of books on the subject of play currently on the market. It explores, debates and further develops the theory of play, relating cutting-edge theory to examples of practice, taken from a broad range of multi-disciplinary perspectives. Each author brings their own perspective to the subject, based on rich and diverse experience, examining play-based activities from a wide variety of settings: the classroom, the playground, the home and local community. Each chapter is illustrated throughout with observation notes, case studies, interviews and discussions, encouraging you not only to critically evaluate current research but to reflect on ways in which you could develop and improve your own practice. Perspectives on Play will be an invaluable resource for any student studying within childhood studies, playwork programmes or training to teach at early years or primary level. The book is also ideal for early years, primary and play practitioners.