Kirjahaku

‘Effective Leadership and Management in the Early Years … is the best analysis of leadership and management that I have come across. It is a highly practical tool and a resource that will enable early years practitioners at different stages of professional development to explore, understand, rate and develop their leadership and management expertise.’Jillian Rodd, Educational and Developmental PsychologistThere has recently been an unprecedented focus on early years care and education, particularly on the impact of the various adults who work and play with children in the birth to five/six-years age range. Staff in early years settings have had to adapt to many changes and demands, locally and nationally, from local authorities and national government, and none more so than those who suddenly find themselves in a leadership and management role in increasingly complex small early years businesses and settings, often without formal training or qualifications.The book is unique in providing not only a thorough analysis of the leader and manager’s role and presenting it as a typology, but also in offering a clear and in-depth view of that role. It also presents ways in which the leader and manager can undertake self-evaluation or work alongside a peer to understand their own strengths and challenges more readily.The book conceptualises effective leadership and management as a tree, with the four key ‘branches’ of effective leadership and management defined as:Leaderships QualitiesManagement SkillsProfessional AttributesPersonal Characteristics and AttitudesEffective Leadership and Management in the Early Years is an essential tool for all those who lead and manage within early years settings, which they can use for evaluating their effectiveness.

"Thinking about Play... cleverly brings together research-based chapters from experienced Early Years practitioners and academics who provide knowledge the field desperately needs to ensure young children can engage in play - laying their own meaningful foundations for their later education."Tricia David, Emeritus Professor of Education, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK"This book provides an excellect collection of chapters which encourages early years practitioners to really get to grips with their own perceptions about, understanding of and beliefs in relation to play in early education settings. In so doing, they will also be well-supported in getting to grips with decisions to change and develop their playful practices for the benefit and pleasure both of children and of themselves. Janet Moyles has brought together a good number of well-respected writers in the field in a highly accessible and informative book. Professor Pat Broadhead, Leeds Metropolitan University, UK This edited collection brings together play and reflective practice and supports practitioners in reflecting more deeply on the play provision they make for young children. This involves analysing and evaluating what makes quality play and learning experiences by considering how current research might impact on practice.Key features:Introduces the concept of 'playful pedagogies' and explains how it relates to practiceEach chapter starts with an abstract so that readers can dip into issues of particular interest and concernIncludes questions and follow-up ideas that can be used for CPD experiences and trainingThis important book supports early years students and practitioners in developing their own thinking, ideologies and pedagogies. Contributors: Deborah Albon, Pat Beckley, Avril Brock, Stephanie Collins, Jane George, Jane Gibbs, Justine Howard, Pam Jarvis, Karen McInnes, Kevin Kelman, Linda Lauchlan, Paulette Luff, Estelle Martin, Theodora Papatheodorou, Marie Sprawling, Lynsey Thomas, Pauline Trudell, Rebecca Webster, Bryonie Williams, Maulfry Worthington

This indispensible guide uses a unique glossary format to explore some of the key themes in play in early childhood, many of which regularly arise for students, tutors, parents and practitioners. As well as covering key concepts, theories and influential figures in the field, the book considers important aspects of each construct and highlights the complexity of play in early childhood. Each section of the book:Outlines key aspects of a construct in relation to play Includes a wide range of referencesSummarizes research from an international perspective Offers insights from other well known figures with expertise in playThis book takes the stance that play is vital to children’s holistic development, self-efficacy and well-being and that play, and playful learning and teaching, is the essential ingredient in order for children to develop enthusiastic dispositions to learning. This positive view of play draws on the author’s extensive experience and observations of children playing in preschool settings, early years classrooms, out in the park and in different home situations. This essential reference book is vital reading for all those working and playing with young children and students on early childhood courses.“Janet writes in a brilliantly authoritative style as she draws in research and researchers who surround quite contentious and complex issues. This is a scholarly text and is to be trusted.”Dr Kathy Goouch, Reader in Education, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK“In this fascinating and engaging text, Janet Moyles does not attempt to define play...This text will be invaluable to early childhood students and practitioners and to all those interested in extending their thinking about play.”Professor Trisha Maynard, Director, Research Centre for Children, Families and Communities, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK“This book certainly works a useful dictionary to remind us of what (for example) ‘epistemic play’ means, but I would advise readers to approach it more playfully... The imaginative use of photographs to illustrate entries, combined with illustrative examples, helps to make distinctions between the different types/aspects of play, and unobtrusive referencing is available for those who have been inspired to pursue particular interests further.”Dr Jan Georgeson, Research Fellow in Early Education Development, Plymouth University, UK“Janet’s brilliant idea - coupled with her characteristic meticulous application - has provided early childhood education and care with a rich treasure trove: a book to use for reference, as a starting point for reflection, a spark for debate and, importantly, a reiteration of the central role of play in the lives of children.”Tricia David, Emeritus Professor, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK

Play as a powerful learning and teaching experience remainskey to effective early childhood education. Retaining its popular approach and style, this new edition reflects the contemporary context of early childhood education and care as well emerging research on young children's development.The emphasis remains firmly on demonstrating the excellenceof play and its contribution to children's overall learning and development in the early years, and the role of adults in promoting inspirational playful pedagogies.It offers new coverage on topics such as brain development, gender, babies’ play, cultural diversity and inclusion, children as researchers, new technologies, outdoor play and international dimensions.Key features include: A chapter overview giving a brief outline of aims and purpose Lively and meaningful cameos to help bring the themes andissues to life Content drawing on the cameos to help link research, theory and practice Reflective questions to raise awareness of, and reflection on, the issues raised Useful websites and further readingThis is a must-read book for all students studying early childhood at a range of levels and practitioners who are looking to deepen their understanding of play and playful practices."Janet Moyles's 'The Excellence of Play' has become a corner-stone of Early Childhood Education and Care. Please, please someone, make this book compulsory reading for MPs and policy wonks." Tricia David, Emeritus Professor, Canterbury Christ Church University "'The Excellence of Play' is now in its 4th edition and this is testimony to how thought-provoking an edited collection it continues to be. This much anticipated new edition does not disappoint:in summary, this book is a valuable contribution to the field of Early Childhood Studies and should be considered essential reading for students and practitioners alike."Dr. Deborah Albon, London Metropolitan University "This new edition of a classic text offers encouragement as well as information to all working with young children and their families. It provides grounded evidence for the importance of play, spelling out the complex but crucial contribution it makes to self-regulation, motivation and well-being, which are under threat in current conditions. Readers will be equipped to affirm and disseminate the importance of ensuring that future generations benefit from meaningful play."Wendy Scott, President TACTYC"The book's contributors do justice to the delights, complexities, puzzles and imponderables of play and make a powerful case against the undue "schoolification" of childhood and for the "playification" of schooling." Colin Richards HMI(retired) Emeritus Professor of Education, University of Cumbria