Reviewed by Pat Wills, head teacher at Claremont Community Primary School and Centre of Excellence, Blackpool
What a useful and interesting book. Although clearly aimed at students following early years courses at a variety of levels, this is a good read for all those actively involved in working with young children.
The layout is practical, with checklists, cross-references to the Curriculum Guidance to the Foundation Stage, case studies and things to think about. The good-practice checklists are particularly useful.
The theorists that are described cover a range of backgrounds, including education and social sciences as well as psychologists.
There are some omissions. The reference to the EPPE research project is limited to only a few lines, and the table of researchers, theorists and theoretical perspectives does not include Kathy Sylva, Iram Siraj-Blatchford and others as current researchers. High/Scope, Head Start and Sure Start are also conspicuous by their absence.
A revised edition would be advisable to correct such glaring gaps. The book will then rightfully take its place as a strong contender as a classic reference work for those on early years courses.
