By Penny Tassoni (Heinemann, £14.99, ISBN 978 0 435899 91 2)
Reviewed by Helen Easby, nursery manager at Newcastle College Day Nursery and Nursery World Early Years Professional of the Year 2008
This book offers a comprehensive reference manual for everyone working with the EYFS. Initially it looks quite daunting, as it is packed with information on every page. The whole of the EYFS is explained, including the statutory requirements and linking to Every Child Matters. Progressing through the book, all areas of learning and development are covered and broken down into age groups.
Each area has practical ideas of what to do. These can easily be individualised for each type of setting, and I would imagine that practitioners will be reassured to find that they are already doing many of these things. Within this section there are frequently asked questions on practical issues, again useful and reassuring.
At the end of the book there is a great section on implementing the EYFS, looking at the types of play needed and how important this is, as well as routines and the types of routines that are appropriate to different age groups. This section goes on to look at observation and planning, answering questions as it progresses. There are examples of different types of planning, that can be used in a variety of setting types, with specific examples for childminders and reception classes.
This is an excellent handbook for practitioners and definitely one to keep handy on the book shelf as a reference and source of ideas for successfully implementing the EYFS.
ALPHABET KIDS - From ADD to Zellwegger Syndrome
By Robbie Woliver (Jessica Kingsley, £22.50, ISBN 9781843108801)
Understanding the myriad of medical conditions that nursery children can be diagnosed with can be a tough task for practitioners. This book aims to provide concise information on 70 childhood disorders - their causes, cures, treatments and prognosis. The guide will help you to support parents and point them towards correct diagnosis and effective treatment.
THE HANDBOOK OF PLAY THERAPY AND THERAPEUTIC PLAY (2ND EDITION)
By Linnet McMahon (Routledge, £20.99, 978-0-415-43942-8)
This handbook has been revised and updated to support practitioners who use play to communicate with troubled or traumatised children and their families. Areas explored include:
- Children with disabilities and illness
- Difficulties in the early years
- Children experiencing loss, bereavement or separation.
The book is aimed at both students and established practitioners and managers.
