Demystifying the links between theory and practice for those studying in the field of early childhood.

′A much needed book that uniquely brings together policy and practice in early childhood education and care across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. It offers a wealth of information and useful websites and addresses so that, importantly, readers can keep abreast of the rapidly changing external environment in these countries... An essential read for those wishing to understand the background to policy and practice in early childhood education and care′ - Linda Miller, The Op...

Put together by an outstanding author team, including many authors from the University of Northampton, An Introduction to Early Childhood is a much loved book that helps you explore all the major themes in early years education and care, while providing you with real insight into the changing world of early childhood.To further support your study, this edition has been expanded to include five new chapters including The History of Childhood, Play and Creativity, Children a...

There has been a growing academic interest in the role of outdoor spaces for play in a child′s development. This text represents a coordinated and comprehensive volume of international research on this subject edited by members of the well-established European Early Childhood Education Research Association Outdoor Play and Learning SIG (OPAL). Chapters written by authors from Europe, North and South America, Australasia and Asia Pacific countries are organised into six se...

Billy is an ordinary goat like any other, but when he thinks differently and puts his mind to it he achieves extraordinary things. Join Billy in this "Raa-aa-aags to Riches" tale - one to encourage all the budding little entrepreneurs out there.A clever, rhyming story-in-verse that is a fantastic way to introduce children to the concept of entrepreneurship and business, but also a great reminder for all you grown up business professionals, business owners, entrepreneurs and coaches...

Following Theresa May's shock general election announcement, the UK political landscape looks set to change dramatically. Will predictions of a Tory landslide come to pass, or will the pollsters be surprised again? Whatever the result, the latest edition of the bestselling Politicos Guide to the New House of Commons will have all the info.Public affairs consultant Tim Carr and political experts Iain Dale and Robert Waller are rolling up their sleeves to put together a complete guid...

Introduction to Education Studies has proven itself to be the key text for students of Education Studies for over a decade, leading readers through the field′s key ideas, concepts and debates.Drawing from the main educational themes of sociology, philosophy, history, psychology and policy, Bartlett and Burton introduce you to different ways of looking at education and the ideologies that shape educational systems. Tightly supported by accessible links to research literatur...

The number of children entering the child protection system has risen dramatically in the last three years with implications for children's services and partner agencies. This timely volume takes a critical look at the impact of the Munro Review (2011) on child protection and the Government's response. It looks at questions including how effective Local Safeguarding Children Boards are in providing the necessary scrutiny to ensure children are safe, how the early offer of help at local lev...

Social Perspectives in Mental Health offers new practice frameworks that help to make sense of people's mental distress and recovery in relation to their social experience. This interdisciplinary volume promotes a holistic approach to mental health practice, with an emphasis on recovery and empowerment, and on building on the experiences of service users. The contributors explore the impact of social factors, such as power, abuse, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation, on the causes and...

An introduction to the diverse settings of social work, detailing the relevant policy context, methods and approaches.

Evidence-based practice - what it might mean, how it can be achieved, whether it should be aspired to - is the subject of much debate and argument in social work. Covering areas of social work practice that are well established and those in which evidence is just beginning to become available, the authors address issues such as:* What is to count as evidence, and who decides this?* If relevant evidence is agreed on, how should it be used in practice?* How can the th...

Positive Alternatives to School Exclusion looks at what schools can do to build more harmonious communities and engage students - particularly those at risk of exclusion - more productively in all areas of school life. It describes the Positive Alternatives to School Exclusion Project, a multi-phase, collaborative initiative based at the School of Education, University of Cambridge.Drawing on the perspectives of staff and pupils, the authors provide detailed case studies of...