Contemporary Issues in the Early Years
Edited by Gillian Pugh and Bernadette Duffy
(4th edition, Sage, 1-4129-2107-4, 18.99)
Reviewed by Sue Griffin, early years and childcare consultant and writer The previous editions of this book have illuminated the developments and changes of recent years and become valuable resources. This edition is mostly new, reflecting the way that changes continue to impact on the sector. The book's particular emphasis is on integrated working across agency and professional boundaries. There are sections on policy, practice, research and training.
With so many ill-informed views about the word 'curriculum' associated with the youngest children, it is a pleasure to read the good sense of Bernadette Duffy's chapter. Iram Siraj-Blatchford challenges us to look again at the 'calm and friendly places' of early childhood settings and recognise underlying inequalities. Trevor Chandler explores the challenges and benefits of multi-disciplinary and multi-agency working. Sue Owen clarifies proposed reforms of aspects of training and workforce development, including the emergence of the early years professional.
Tricia David leads us through how other countries think about and treat young children. Gillian Pugh's chapter on the policy agenda sets the scene and helps us order our knowledge about Sure Start, Every Child Matters and where Government strategy is taking us next. Other equally distinguished writers contribute other chapters.
This is essential reading for anyone with responsibility for taking the agenda of early childhood services forward.
Making Connections: Promoting attachments between parents and carers and their young children
by Dr Hannah Mortimer
(QEd, 6, 01785 620364)
Reviewed by Janice McKinley, Area SENCO
This is the fifth in a series of books supporting practitioners who work with parent and carer groups in Sure Start areas and children's centres.
Making Connections groups reach parents or carers who have attachment difficulties with their young children.
Three(?) professionals are needed to run the group - a clinical or educational psychologist, social worker, family therapist, a co-therapist such as a family worker or health visitor, and an observer.
The author explains that 'the benefits of working in groups with parents or carers of young children are to promote friendship and mutual support; reduce isolation; help children develop social and language skills; and help adults share information and advice.' She considers the practicalities of setting up a group, suggested framework of ideas for its structure and how to evaluate the group.
I found this book easy to read, informative and full of useful strategies.
Sound Beginnings: Learning and development in the early years
By Pamela May, Erica Ashford and Gill Bottle
(David Fulton, 020 8996 3610, ISBN 1 84312 422 X)
Reviewed by Marian Whitehead, language and early years consultant
This is indeed a sound and enjoyable book that explores the fundamental principles underlying good practice in the early years. It is a delicious irony that the title might have had something to do with the current mania for synthetic phonics, but the authors are concerned to reassert the principles of the original Foundation Stage document, with its emphasis on play and child-initiated learning.
Each chapter begins by stating an original Foundation Stage principle, suggesting how this can be applied to practice, and ends with two points for reflection.
I was impressed by the skilful linking of philosophical issues (matters of principle) with perceptive guidance for good practice. For example, in a chapter on 'Active Learning', the authors focus on play and learning and describe in detail a setting where the practitioners believe that children learn through active engagement with the planned environment. This flair for knowing and writing about what we should be doing and then being able to put it into practice makes this book a challenging and valuable acquisition for individual and institutional libraries.
Our recommended choice
Child Observation no. 8: Learning Through Play
Siren Films
(79, 0191 232 7900)
Reviewed by Anne O'Connor, early years consultant
This DVD and accompanying booklet will be useful in a variety of ways and with a range of audiences. It consists of nine video sequences of Seb, from two years 11 months to four years, playing in a variety of situations. He is monolingual and lives with his mother.
The booklet includes background information for each clip and dialogue transcripts. There are example observations and further suggestions for focus, together with information about the kinds of play to be seen and some general interpretations relating to Foundation Stage areas of learning. Each section finishes with challenging open-ended questions that will provoke discussion.
It is an excellent training tool. I also think it could be a useful resource for work with parents, providing a starting point in helping them to recognise and appreciate the value of their own interactions and interventions with their children. Just as importantly, it highlights the fact (often disregarded) that intervention isn't always required and that parents also need to give themselves permission to stand back and observe.
And if films like this inspire settings to use video cameras to make their own resources for observational purposes (encouraging parents to do the same), then all the better.
It is an expensive resource, but the quality and flexibility of the material would suggest it is money well spent.
