The new edition of Listening to Young Children, the influential resource now co-authored by Penny Lancaster and Perpetua Kirby, could not be more timely. As the Government plans to introduce league tables in England based on the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile - kicking off a parent-led petition in protest (www.gopetition.com/petition/41774.html) - this celebration of skilled work with competent young children is a reminder that listening to each unique child is a duty that fosters children's development and values their right to express their views in any legislative context.
It is also a robust practice which, Penny Lancaster says, must remain in place regardless of the external pressures or targets that may exist. 'Listening to young children can happen whatever background you are in,' she says. 'I was involved in setting up educational projects in areas of armed conflict and, even in these immensely stressful environments, listening was always considered key to effective service delivery.'
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