Reviewed by Marian Whitehead, language and early years consultant
This is the third edition of a book that has been essential reading for educators since its initial publication in 1987. It is now in a larger full-colour format. The photographs are inspirational and, like the best picture books, tell their own learning stories.
The author now addresses a more diverse range of practitioners, but her principles and starting point remain clear and unambiguous: unless children spend their time in warm, affectionate relationships with adults whom they know well and love, they do not develop and learn with quality.
It follows that children need adults who are trained to a high level in knowledge and understanding of child development and who are educated themselves in the humanities, arts and sciences. Tina Bruce is also committed to learning from the great pioneers of the past, particularly Montessori, Froebel and Steiner. Her ten core principles emerge from their work and form the bedrock of her approach.
In Part 1 of this edition the principles have been revisited and the wording reframed. I wish that Principle 1 could be writ large on the fabric of every governmental and public building that deals with children and families: 'The best way to prepare children for their adult life is to give them what they need as children.'
This is a book you must have.
