Officially endorsed by the NCMA, this book contains numerous case studies that place child-care theory in a realistic context, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-life childminding situations. Each chapter addresses the National Standards and helps prepare childminders for the OFSTED regulations and inspections.

Designed for the CACHE Certificate in Childminding Practice Level 3, this text covers the topics of: routines for children; play activities in the home; managing behaviour; and keeping children safe. It draws on the candidates' own practical knowledge and the relevance of their studies.

With more and more women with young children returning to work, hundreds of thousands of children in England and Wales are being cared for by childminders. The demand for good quality, flexible childcare is huge. If you are a childminder in the early stages of setting up your business, or you are considering caring for children in your own home, this book will help you to: decide whether a career working with children is for you; decide whether working from your own home will suit you, your family and your lifestyle; understand the Regulations and Standards imposed by Ofsted; guide you through the registration process; prepare you for Ofsted inspections; help you to target the right market and advertise your services; and manage the financial side of your business.

First published in 1979, this book looks at the subject of childminding in Britain at the time it was written. It is based on a national survey that was commissioned by the Social Science Research Council and on action to help childminders funded by the Wates Foundation at Manchester University, UK. Previous to this study it was calculated that more than one million children under the age of five had a working mother, but little research had been done into childminders themselves. This book evaluates the number and nature of the childminders in Britain that were looking after the nation’s children in the 70s. It argues that parents have a right to choose to work if society can guarantee loving and skilled care for their children. However, the authors suggest that this was not the case at the time and state that childminders were in need of better governmental support.

An invaluable handbook to help childminders to reach an outstanding level, all day, everyday, and not just during inspection.

For all those working in Early Years, improving quality experiences for all young children is a priority. By examining issues surrounding quality improvement, the importance of reflective practice and the attributes required in the workplace to effect change and leadership, this book provides a contemporary view of practice. Chapters focus on how settings can improve quality experiences for young children and how to implement strategies that lead to quality improvement. Issues covered include: - multi-disciplinary working - evaluating impact through reflective practice - creativity, digital technologies and play - safeguarding young children - leading practice and leading change - working with parents - improving the quality of student experience This text allows students and practitioners to examine and reflect on practises that lead to creative Quality Improvement Strategies (QIS) in Early Years settings. Michael Reed is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Worcester, Institute of Education: Centre for Early Childhood Natalie Canning is a Lecturer in Early Years at The Open University.

The importance of interagency cooperation within children’s services has been highlighted within recent government strategy, including the Every Child Matters agenda, the development of Children’s Centres and the expansion of Extended Schools. Following tragic cases such as Victoria Climbie, the need for effective multi-disciplinary teamwork and interagency co-operation across all education and care settings remains as pressing as ever. Working Together in Children’s Services addresses a range of theoretical perspectives and contexts to stimulate students and practitioners critical thinking about the issues of multi-agency working. The book provides the reader with a critical framework for understanding both new and future developments and explores key issues like: The notion of "working together" and what it means in practice The benefits and barriers of multi-agency work Current policy and requirements for successful interdisciplinary working Essential skills for inter-professional teamwork. As modules on multi-professional working become increasingly common, the book will provide core reading for all students of Early Childhood Studies, Initial Teacher Education and Foundation Degrees in the Early Years. By showing how to develop successful multi-agency partnerships, it is also highly relevant for teachers and practitioners working across children’s services.

Services for young children have gone through a period of rapid transformation in recent years, which have been paralleled by great advances in our knowledge of early child development. However, care and education in the first three years of life continues to be a neglected area. Thoroughly updated to take account of key policy and practice changes in childcare provision, this landmark text translates child development theory and research into everyday practice. All the practical ideas in the book have been developed and tested in nurseries, family and children’s centres and include the importance of providing opportunities for adventurous and exploratory play for babies and toddlers, understanding and responding to children's emotional needs and offering personalized and sensitive care. The book also explores different ways of working with parents and the role of early years settings and practitioners in helping to keep children safe. It includes chapters on: Childcare policy and services Planning spaces for living, learning and playing Babies in day care Heuristic play with objects Mealtimes Learning out of doors Leading and managing a childcare centre Involving and working with parents Safeguarding children People Under Three is an established practical text for all those training to work with young children or managing day care facilities. Focusing on the care and learning of very young children, it is designed specifically for those who look after them day by day, as well as being a useful resource for social work students and policy makers.