Reflective practice in the early years, 

Ongoing reforms in early childhood care and education social policy affect all aspects of young children's and their families' lives. Decisions are being undertaken at a rapid pace and there is a need for those working in the field of Early Years to consolidate and reflect on their knowledge and practice, building on what they already know.

This timely new book aims to support reflective practice for those working with young children in everyday work and in the wider political context, whatever their professional role and whatever level of qualification they hold. It takes a fresh look at a breadth of issues relating to early childhood care and education reflecting on policy, knowledge and practice.

Incorporating practical reflection activities, case studies, exemplar scenarios and questions in each chapter the book considers:

• policy developments and how these have affected young children and their families
• issues around socio-culturalism, language, ethnicity, disposition, gender, inclusion and socio-economics when working with families
• learning through play and the notions of quality, observation and assessment and continuity
• contemporary issues that practitioners and students on placement may encounter in their everyday work
• deepening reflective thinking and practice through ongoing and continuing professional development.

With practical guidance to help the reader reflect on their own practice, this text offers invaluable support to early years practitioners looking to develop their career and achieving higher qualification at both undergraduate and at Master's level. The book is a must for students on early years courses including early childhood studies, initial teacher training and early years teacher status.

The book describes how educators in Reggio Emilia work with young children, and looks at the connections between the Reggio Approach and the revised Early Years Foundation Stage framework. It provides practical examples involving children of different ages in a wide variety of settings, helping the reader to see the connection between practice and theory.

This new edition has been fully updated to show the increasingly mirroring connections between the Reggio Approach and the principles and commitments of the recently revised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Each chapter focuses on one important aspect of the Reggio Approach and includes:

• Practical examples involving children of different ages in a wide variety of settings, helping the reader to see the connection between practice and theory
• Questions to enable the reader to reflect on and develop his or her own practice in accordance with new statutory requirements
• References to sources of further reading and information.

This convenient guide will help early years practitioners, students and parents to really understand what the Reggio Approach can offer their setting and children.