Understanding Transitions in the Early Years, O`Connor

Key themes examined throughout this book relate to:

• The relationship between assessment policy and children's identities as learners;
• The complexity of classroom life;
• The power of assessment to shape definitions of 'learning' and 'learners';
• The impact of discourses of class, race, religion and the 'inner city' on how children are assessed, and how assumptions about inner city schools and low attainment can put pressure on teachers to assess children in particular ways.

In this important text, the author argues that assessment policies can have a huge impact on classrooms and teachers, as well as having potentially damaging effects for young children, particularly those from minoritised and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The book explores in detail the complex interaction of education policies with discourses of attainment and expectation, and the resulting reproduction of patterns of inequality. Understanding Early Years Inequality will have an immediate impact on current debates about educational policy and practice in Early Years education, and will be of particular interest to academics and students in educational studies, sociology of education, and early childhood studies.

'This book provides a very accessible approach to building a better understanding of young children and their development and will be an interesting and useful read for both experienced early years practitioners and for students who are just beginning to build their practical experience.' - Early Years Update

This highly practical and fully updated new edition is full of case studies and helpful advice on how to enhance our understanding of very young children. Through working with many practitioners in different settings, Christine Macintyre offers down-to-earth strategies to enhance the learning of children in their care, and asks:

• What are the key influences in encouraging children to achieve their potential?
• Are the four aspects of children's development equally important and how do they interact?
• Does the play - based curriculum truly cater for children with a range of abilities and interests e.g. gifted and talented children and those who need extra support?
• What new ways are there of enhancing learning?
• How can we be sure that parents appreciate how we support their children in all aspects of their development?

With examples and case-studies drawn from a variety of real-life nursery practices, these interesting and thought-provoking scenarios will help enhance and develop the practice of all students and early years teachers.

Physical development plays a crucial role in young children's learning, behaviour and emotional health and is now recognised as a prime area in the revised Early Years Foundation Stage. It is therefore essential that those working in the early years sector provide children with a wide range of opportunities for movement and sensory experiences.

Drawing on current legislation and the requirements of the EYFS, the book covers all aspects of physical development and includes:

- reflection tasks, summaries and impact on practice sections;

- guidance on issues that can cause concern such as health and safety, rough and tumble play, gender and the effective use of indoor and outdoor space;

- advice on the role of the practitioner and ideas for working with parents and families;

- information on the different stages of physical development.

Written by leading consultants, this book will be essential reading for early years students and practitioners that want to fully understand young children's physical development and provide opportunities that nourish children's overall learning and physical and emotional wellbeing.

Full of insights and strategies for supporting children when their behaviour gets in the way of learning and wellbeing, or when it is simply 'different' in some way, Understanding Behaviour in Early Years Settings demonstrates how practitioners can help children to feel secure, learn and explore while gaining an understanding of how to behave socially and appropriately towards others. Areas covered include

• building firm foundations and developing attachments;
• personal, social and emotional development;
• the language of feelings and behaviour;
• observing 'problem' behaviours and planning interventions; and
• supporting disability and special educational needs.

Including case studies and thinking points in each chapter, this invaluable guide will help early years practitioners, teachers and students to develop their own knowledge, confidence and understanding when working with challenging behaviours.

Physical development plays a crucial role in young children's learning, behaviour and emotional health and is now recognised as a prime area in the revised Early Years Foundation Stage. It is therefore essential that those working in the early years sector provide children with a wide range of opportunities for movement and sensory experiences.

Drawing on current legislation and the requirements of the EYFS, the book covers all aspects of physical development and includes:

- reflection tasks, summaries and impact on practice sections;

- guidance on issues that can cause concern such as health and safety, rough and tumble play, gender and the effective use of indoor and outdoor space;

- advice on the role of the practitioner and ideas for working with parents and families;

- information on the different stages of physical development.

Written by leading consultants, this book will be essential reading for early years students and practitioners that want to fully understand young children's physical development and provide opportunities that nourish children's overall learning and physical and emotional wellbeing.