BTec National Early Years. by Sandy Green. (Nelson Thornes, 16.95, 01242 267100)
Reviewed by Denni Morrison, lecturer in psychology and child development at Hertford Regional College
At last, a textbook for the BTec National Diploma in Early Years. We have been waiting a long time for this. Unfortunately it starts with a problem - the contents list. I found it quite misleading, as the numbering system for the chapters doesn't match the BTec Early Years unit numbers. Chapter 1 is Professional Practice, when it would have made more sense to begin with Unit 1: Equality, Diversity and Rights. This has a knock-on effect for all the other unit numbers too. Also, there is no differentiation between core and option units or internally and externally assessed units. The publishers assure me, however, that they will be looking into this for future reprints. They also confirm that it was a deliberate strategy to begin the book with Professional Practice.
Problems aside, I think this is going to be a very useful addition to your bookshelf. It is written by a former BTec tutor, and it contains everything students need to give them a basic understanding of the syllabus in language that will stretch them, but not defeat them. I found the chapter on research very informative, giving very clear information about both primary and secondary research as well as examples of the methods of presentation students could use in their project work.
I particularly liked the 'forward to...' and 'back to...' arrows. These give page numbers and topic headings and lead the reader to additional information and case studies. Each chapter ends with a short test, key terms and a bibliography/reading list. As a course textbook I think it will prove invaluable.
