The Practical Guidance in the Early Years Foundation Stage series will assist practitioners in the smooth and successful implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Each book gives clear and detailed explanations of each aspect of Learning and Development and encourages readers to consider each area within its broadest context to expand and develop their own knowledge and good practice. Practical ideas and activities for all age groups are offered along with a wealth of expertise of how elements from the practice guidance can be implemented within all early years settings. The books include suggestions for the innovative use of everyday ressources, popular books and stories. Children's early communication needs careful nurturing and support. Practitioners will be both challenged and supported by this book which focuses on the skills needed for language and literacy and all aspects of children's interaction with others. The learning opportunities for children need to be relevant for their age group, realistic and challenging. This book gives readers clear explanations and practical ideas to help them establish firm foundations on which children can grow in confidence and become skilful communicators.

Organized around 14 chapters, Section One looks at policy, pedagogy and key issues in practice surrounding the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and Section Two looks at the areas of learning and development in EYFS. Ways to plan, implement, observe and evaluate activities for young children from Birth to 5 are discussed, a range of theoretical perspectives is built upon and different ways of delivering the EYFS are explored. By combining sound theoretical underpinning with practical case studies, this book offers a critical approach to the implementation of EYFS. It takes its inspiration and examples of best practice from projects based in a range of early years settings, and considers the role of the practitioner and the holistic development of the child.

This Fourth Edition of Language and Literacy in the Early Years has been fully revised and updated to reflect current professional interests and the latest developments in the field. The book provides comprehensive coverage of issues in language, literacy and learning, focusing on the age range from birth to seven years. New material covers theory of mind, key persons, and social and emotional dimensions of learning. The author added material on difficulties with language development, phonics and new literacies. Key terms, further reading and a revised layout make the book accessible to students. The author emphasizes the joy and creativity involved in supporting young children′s development as speakers, writers and readers. While taking account of current initiatives and programmes, the author supports flexible teaching methods in what is a complex teaching and learning process. The book is fully illustrated with examples and photos from early childhood settings. This book is essential reading for primary and early years students and practitioners in the field of language and literacy including nursery nurses, classroom assistants and foundation stage teachers.

With the introduction of the new Early Years Foundation Stage in 2008, practitioners need to be able to meet the needs of all young children in the six areas of learning - one of which is communication, language and literacy. This book helps the reader develop their knowledge, skills and practice in encouraging and promoting communication, language and literacy for babies and young children. It includes: - activities, examples, case studies and ideas from actual practice - guidance on how to meet children′s diverse needs in an inclusive environment - advice on involving parents in their children′s learning - resources, useful websites and suggestions for further reading This book is a must-read for anyone working with children from birth to five.

This book guides students and practitioners through the wealth of information on cognition and language development by breaking the area down into manageable chunks and drawing these together into a full understanding of the holistic nature of child development. Children with communication difficulties are at risk of poor outcomes educationally, socially and in employability. Whilst there may be a range of interventions which can help children, it is the practice of those working with them that is the key to success. Therefore a firm understanding of communication development and the ability to adapt teaching to support children’s individual needs are vital. The text offers a balanced approach to the theories and research into the development and acquisition of language and literacy in the early years. It examines how practice can be improved and the impact that language and literacy development has on learning outcomes. It also, importantly, addresses the particular pedagogy related to bilingual and multilingual learners. Carefully structured activities are provided and the text clearly relates theory to practice. Pedagogical features encourage a questioning, challenging and reflective approach, promoting critical thinking throughout.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) came into force in September 2008 and established a framework for providing learning, development and care for children from birth to five. This book examines the EYFS within the context of Achieving QTS and is a core text for primary trainees covering this stage of children′s learning. It links the principles and commitments of the EYFS with the new standards for QTS while covering all required content. The book examines the continuous nature of learning from birth to five, the inter-relatedness between care, learning and development, and the importance of sensitive transitions.

Ofsted today publishes the Annual Report 2010/11, drawing on over 31,000 inspection visits across the schools, early years, children's social care and learning and skills sectors in England. Launched by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector Miriam Rosen, this in-depth analysis provides an insight into the quality of those services for children and learners, what is working well and what needs to improve. The report highlights how an inadequate inspection judgement, whether for a children's home or a school, a college or a nursery, can be an important catalyst for change. For example, the total number of schools in a category of concern - that is judged to be in special measures or being given a notice to improve - reduced from 553 at the end of last year to 451 at the end of August 2011. Over a fifth of schools judged inadequate at their previous inspection were found to be good or better when inspected again this year. In addition, schools are now emerging from special measures faster than the previous year - after an average of 18 months rather than 20. In inspections of local authorities'; children's social care, where Ofsted completed the second full year of unannounced inspection of contact, referral and assessment arrangements, weaknesses identified the previous year had been addressed in the great majority of cases.

This newly updated, user friendly Primary English Encyclopedia addresses all aspects of the primary English curriculum and is an invaluable reference for all training and practising teachers. Now in its fifth edition, entries have been revised to take account of new research and thinking. The approach is supportive of the reflective practitioner in meeting National Curriculum requirements in England and developing sound subject knowledge and good classroom practice. While the book is scholarly, the author writes in a conversational style and includes reproductions of covers of recommended children’s books and examples of children’s writing and drawing to add interest. The encyclopedia includes: over 600 entries , many expanded and entirely new for this edition, including entries on apps, blogging and computing; short definitions of key concepts; input on the initial teaching of reading including the teaching of phonics and the other cue-systems; extended entries on major topics such as speaking and listening, reading, writing, drama, poetry, non-fiction, bilingualism and children’s literature; information on new literacies and new kinds of texts for children; discussion of current issues and input on the history of English teaching in the primary years; extended entries on gender and literacy; important references for each topic, advice on further reading and accounts of recent research findings; and a Who’s Who of Primary English and lists of essential texts, updated for this new edition. This encyclopedia will be ideal for student teachers on BA and PGCE courses preparing for work in primary schools and primary school teachers. Anyone concerned with bringing about the informed and imaginative teaching of primary school English will find this book helpful and interesting.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old. All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the framework, including childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes. This handbook presents the latest Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), effective from January 2024, as a handy reference copy for early years practitioners whether in training or practice.

The Early Years Handbook for Students and Practitioners is a comprehensive and accessible course text for all degree level students undertaking programmes related to early years and childhood studies. Designed and written by the SEFDEY Professional Association and a team of new expert contributors, this text provides a balanced approach to the subjects discussed and encourages you to consider and challenge perceptions of early years and to promote good professional practice. This edition has been extended to cover the learning and development of children from birth to 8 years and features new chapters on research, risk, neuroscience, the environment and more. Divided into four parts - The Student-Practitioner-Professional; The Learning and Development of Children 0-8; 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. In each chapter, the book seeks to help you develop your professional identity and includes: Activities to help you to reflect on your own practice Debates and dilemmas to promote discussion between students and colleagues Real-life case studies and photographs to illustrate key points Extended "reflective thinking" boxes outlining key research in the field and implications for practice Suggestions for key projects to help those looking for research topics 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.