- Download the Nursery World Awards book of the Night here
The importance of the first years of life is indisputable, and yet the focus on the play, care and learning of birth to three-year-olds ebbs and flows on the tide of policy development. This book advocates for a continued, considered and informed spotlight to be shone on the rights and needs of babies, toddlers and two-year-olds and how to provide for them well in early years settings.
Opening a window on what it is like to be a baby or young child in an early years setting, the book addresses not only ‘what’ educators in settings should do but through theory and examples of good practice explores ‘why’ and ‘how’ effective provision for birth to three-year-olds can be developed.
It is founded on clear pedagogical principles, evident in the content and structure of the book. This includes a holistic approach, the inter-relationship between the wellbeing of babies and young children, educators and parents, an anti-bias approach and the underpinning importance of positive relationships. This book stands out for its unstinting championing of birth- to three-year-olds, but also for focusing on the detail of care events and interactions that are central to young children’s experience.
Emphasising the holistic nature of early development, the chapters explore developing a holistic pedagogy that gives equal consideration to children’s care, play and learning and considers everything that the child experiences in the setting, including:
The interactions and relationships between the educators and the children.
The partnership between the parents and carers and the educators.
Respectful care events.
An anti-bias approach.
A well-designed and prepared environment.
A play-based approach.
The book emphasises the connections between all aspects of a child’s experience and development. It addresses key questions of what babies and young children need, enjoy and have a right to experience and demonstrates how early years educators can develop their practice and organise their provision in a way that is positive for babies and young children and their families.
It discusses key theoretical ideas relating to all aspects of the development of birth- to three-year-olds, which are illustrated by examples and case studies and related to everyday practice, offering a wealth of information and guidance.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Why Children Need Joy by Ben Kingston-Hughes (Corwin)
Ben puts forward a compelling argument on why joy needs to be at the centre of early education. He reflects on the latest research in neuroscience and biochemistry to demonstrate how moments of joy are critical for supporting development and helping a child to reach their full potential. To drive home the importance of joy, Ben also looks at the adverse impact that a lack of joy can have on a child, providing practitioners with evidence and helping them to offer a transformative pedagogy to support children with building resilience, self-regulation and creativity. Ben deftly weaves theory and practical examples to present complex ideas in an accessible way.
FINALISTS
Are You Ready For Your Inspection 4th Edition – by Vanessa Dooley (self-published)
CRITERION
Open to professional books aimed at supporting the work of early years practitioners, managers and leaders, which have been published (or a new edition published) since 1 January 2023.
