A Critical Companion to Early Childhood

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
This text is excellent for students on a range of Early Childhood programmes from foundation degree to MA level for some aspects of reflection and critical thinking.
The strength of the text is that it is edited with many voices and contemporary perspectives. The golden thread that runs through the text is the critical and reflective elements for each section.The text helps readers to think through rather than how to do. -- Dr Estelle Martin * drupal *
I will recommend that students purchase a copy of this because it will not only support their studies in the first year of their degree but will also be important and relevant throughout the units they will be studying as they continue on their journey to achieve their degree. -- Dr Gina Sherwood * drupal *
I am a contributor to this book, therefore I am declaring my bias. nevertheless, this book has been well-received by students. -- Dr Jackie Musgrave * drupal *
Excellent book that critically examines Early Childhood. Absolute must for all ECS students. -- Dr Katherine Cartmell * drupal *
Thank you for this inspection copy which contains a wide range of topics and will be of use on a range of modules. The short chapters will be welcomed by students new to academic reading. -- Miss Caroline Meredith * drupal *
Covers areas of childhood studies which are essential for learners to understand, written in an easy read style -- Miss Karen Bezerra * drupal *
This has some extremely useful supporting eveidence for use within assignments. It is quite generalised and covers quite a few areas needed for my particular course. This can therefore be used as literature throughout the course, as opposed to just for one particular module area. -- Miss Lisa Holland * drupal *
Interesting and factual read -- Miss Nicola Slinger * drupal *
This is an extremely valuable book for my Foundation Degree in Early Year Students. It is easy to read, has a vast array of case studies and reflection points throughout each chapter to help students relate theory to practice.
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This book can also be used throughout several of the modules as it covers key issues relating to reflection, the developing child, policy and practice and professional roles and responsibilities -- Mr Denise Nannetti * drupal *
A really useful addition to the market - recommended to students on our new Early Childhood Studies degree -- Mr Graham Bright * drupal *
Detailed relevant and up to date text for Early Years teaching -- Mr MARTYN STARKEY * drupal *
This is a very good book for our students. It is applicable to much of the course modules they undertake. -- Mrs Alicia James * drupal *
This book will be a recommended text for the students on the BA Programme. The easy reading style of the book will aid the students understanding of early childhood. -- Mrs Alison Milner * drupal *
This book is well written and presented and offers a thought provoking approach to understanding quality in relation to early years practice. It will be particularly good for helping students to understand the need for a critical dialogue when writing academically and relating theory to practice. -- Mrs Amanda Crow * drupal *
A fantastic resource that truly engages students′ critical minds. Chapters lend themselves for inquiry based learning. A very accessible book. -- Mrs Anna Colgan * drupal *
Thought provoking. Very suitable for developing critical reflective stance. -- Mrs Caroline Wright * drupal *
An up-to-date text written by a range if authors on exciting topics. Has just been published and draws on a range of current literature and legislation. -- Mrs Claire Jackson * drupal *
A very relevant book, have requested our library to order copies -- Mrs Fiona Routh * drupal *
This would be a useful addition to the reading list - especially for those trainees who have a subject specialism within the early years. -- Mrs Gail Parker * drupal *
This is another great book for students to use and analyse EYs childhood and practice. My students have found it interesting and insightful and supported them developing their critical analysis. A worthy addition to the book list. -- Mrs Jane Wellock * drupal *
Very good source for Early Years Teacher Status students. -- Mrs Janice Grinstead * drupal *
An interesting book, it extends opportunities to learn by offering many examples of ′further reading′. The critical learning activities may also be useful. -- Mrs Justine Gallagher * drupal *
Interesting but not necessary for the Foundation Degree in Early Years -- Mrs Karen Fullman * drupal *
A very useful general text book that supports students to develop their reflective practice skills as well as their knowledge and understanding in relation to early years. The variety of cghapter content supports a wide range of modules on our Foundation Degree in Early Years. -- Mrs Kate Hulm * drupal *
A valuable book to have on the shelf - particularly liked the companion site - such as good idea! -- Mrs Michelle Rogers * drupal *
A insightful and critical look into the discipline of early childhood practice that analyses how quality services can be achieved whilst meeting societal and political agendas. A must read for those in Higher Education undertaking a related Early Childhood Studies degree. -- Mrs MINE TANA * drupal *
A book to encourage students to become the critically reflective practitoner. I particularly like the early chapters on reflective practice and thinking critically. The authors expore a range of topics and with case studies and examples from practice support the reader to become a critical thinker. A very helpful text! -- Mrs Nikki Fairchild * drupal *
A fabulous book, very informative for anyone studying early years development. -- Mrs Rebecca Clare Ovenden * drupal *
A recommended read to my students who have found it useful in supporting their studies. The online resources are valuable too. Easy to navigate and locate information within the book, therefore student friendly. -- Mrs Samantha Sutton-Tsang * drupal *
It will be useful to see which students engage well with this text - it is essential that we develop free and versatile thinkers who will venture out into childcare and education settings. A very interesting and quite unique text. -- Mrs Sarah Barton * drupal *
very imformative and useful book. -- Mrs Sarah Collyer * drupal *
A well written and accessible read. -- Mrs Shan Lockwood * drupal *
Respected authors are represented in this text to all of which critically explore the questions surrounding ‘quality’ early childhood. Discourses engage the practitioner/student to explore their own position within the text and to extend thinking surrounding the complex challenges faced by services for children and families. A highly recommended resource. -- Mrs Sharon Colilles * drupal *
The ideal resource to support a number of our modules across L4 and 5. Clearly written and up to date a must for our students -- Mrs Susan Davies * drupal *
This book takes a thought-provoking look at contemporary issues relating to Early Childhood Studies. The text is accessible to the reader and the subheadings (often in the form of questions) structure the chapters clearly. The critical learning activities which can be found throughout the book encourage the reader to develop a reflective stance. The companion website is a fantastic resource. -- Mrs Suzi Smale * drupal *
A book that discusses many interconnected topics from the Early Years field. -- Mrs Svetlana Shivacheva * drupal *
The critical learning activities add a lovely dimension to this book -- Mrs Tanya Richardson * drupal *
An excellent book supporting students through critical reflection within the Early Years. highly recommended. -- Mrs Tracey Edwards * drupal *
Through the medium of the quality debate the reader is encouraged to consider the complexity of early childhood. The use of critical learning activities supports the reader to not only have knowledge of a subject area, but to build on that knowledge, to use the knowledge in practice, to stand back and reflect on their understanding, and ultimately to become critical thinkers. -- Mrs Victoria Bamsey * drupal *
Useful, comprehensive text that offers a perspective on relevant themes across our programme. -- Ms Laura West-Burnham * drupal *
Really insightful book. Well explained and reasoned. Nicely laid out. -- Sarah Holmes * drup