The Early Years Reflective Practice Handbook

What do early childhood practitioners need to know about reflection and reflective practice? Ongoing reforms in early childhood care and education social policy affect all aspects of young children’s and their families’ lives. Decisions are being undertaken at a rapid pace and there is a need for those working in the field of Early Years to consolidate and reflect on their knowledge and practice, building on what they already know. This timely new book aims to support reflective practice for those working with young children in everyday work and in the wider political context, whatever their professional role and whatever level of qualification they hold. It takes a fresh look at a breadth of issues relating to early childhood care and education reflecting on policy, knowledge and practice. Incorporating practical reflection activities, case studies, exemplar scenarios and questions in each chapter the book considers: policy developments and how these have affected young children and their families issues around socio-culturalism, language, ethnicity, disposition, gender, inclusion and socio-economics when working with families learning through play and the notions of quality, observation and assessment and continuity contemporary issues that practitioners and students on placement may encounter in their everyday work deepening reflective thinking and practice through ongoing and continuing professional development. With practical guidance to help the reader reflect on their own practice, this text offers invaluable support to early years practitioners looking to develop their career and achieving higher qualification at both undergraduate and at Master’s level. The book is a must for students on early years courses including early childhood studies, initial teacher training and early years teacher status.

This book takes readers on a journey that will help them to gain a greater understanding of reflective practice and where it has come from, how it relates to their practice and how they can engage in reflection to build their own professional capability.

The Little Book of Reflective Practice is bursting with big ideas which will encourage you to be curious, reflective and courageous in your professional learning journey. It introduces the key reflective theories alongside case studies from educators to show how these can be applied to improve practice. The journey from being to thriving is set out in several chapters each providing different themes which will encourage you to capture your reflections, record your learning and development and apply theories of reflection to your professional practice. Full of practical guidance, activities and questions to prompt reflective thinking, the chapters cover: getting started how to write reflectively creating spaces to be reflective using reflective practice to set targets for your learning and professional development Spaces for capturing your reflective thoughts and reflective activities are provided througout, alongside sections where you may wish to stop and engage in deeper thinking. This book will be invaluable reading for early years practitioners, tutors and early years students on level 3 courses and Foundation Degrees.

"This is a stimulating book with much to interest, inspire and challenge students undertaking early childhood studies courses and existing early years practitioners ... the links made to current and possible future policy in the early years field are particularly informative at this current time of change." Early Years Update, March 2012 Reflective practice is a vital aspect of working with young children and enables a deeper understanding of their learning and development. There is a long tradition among early childhood practitioners of closely observing children's learning, so as to nurture and stimulate their development. They are also increasingly expected to reflect on their own practice in a variety of ways, in order to enhance their professional development and improve their practice. This book supports early years' practitioners in articulating and understanding their own practice in greater depth, exploring ways in which they can be encouraged to engage in reflecting on their practice. The authors introduce ideas around creativity, inclusion, children's well being, partnership with parents and multidisciplinary team working, which will enable you to develop and explore the role of the early years' practitioner in further detail. This second edition is refreshed and expanded to include: Updated and revised throughout to reflect latest policy changes and documents The role of the early years professional Reference to Children's Plan and Common Core of Skills and Knowledge for Children's Work Force New reflective questions and extended case studies Reference to safeguarding and child protection through joint-working Developing Reflective Practice in the Early Years, second edition, is essential reading for all early years' practitioners working in early years settings for children aged 0-8 years, including nurseries, children's centres and schools. Contributors: Naima Browne (freelance early years consultant), Anna Craft (University of Exeter & Open University), Michael Craft (an experienced public health and health promotion professional), Caroline Jones (consultant, University of Warwick), Alice Paige-Smith (Open University), Linda Pound (assessor for the National Professional Qualification in Integrated Centre Leadership), Michael Reed (University of Worcester), Jonathan Rix (Open University) and Elizabeth Wood (University of Exeter)

Written for anyone working in the field of early years education and care, this book encourages students and practitioners to consider their own practice and to examine practice in a wide range of early years settings. The four sections link closely to the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage, and support the reader in developing a critical and reflective approach to their own work. Issues covered include: @!play in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in England @!the Foundation Phase in Wales @!safeguarding children @!the healthy child @!leading a team at a Children′s Centre @!how childminders are working with the EYFS @!leading and managing a multi-agency workforce @!Continuing Professional Development for early years practitioners Ideal for those working towards Early Years Professional Status (EYPS), this book is also a must-read for students on any early years course, and will help the professional development of all practitioners working with the Birth to Eight age range. Michael Reed is Senior Lecturer at the University of Worcester and Associate Lecturer with the Open University. Natalie Canning is Lecturer at the Open University.

This book takes readers on a journey that will help them to gain a greater understanding of reflective practice and where it has come from, how it relates to their practice and how they can engage in reflection to build their own professional capability.

Shortlisted for the 2013 Nursery World Awards! ′The author offers opportunity to reflect upon experience and brings together reflective practice and work-based learning, aiming to support the professional growth of a reflective early years workforce′ -Karen Ward, Senior Lecturer in Early Years, Birmingham City University Work-based reflective learning is a key part of the professional development of practitioners working in the early years sector. The Reflective Early Years Practitioner focuses on the practitioner′s role and development within a wide range of contexts in this area. Informed by empirical research, packed with case studies from a wide range of settings and with points for reflection in each chapter, the author covers: - developing as an early years practitioner - reflective vocational progression - pedagogical examples for continuing professional development - study skills to begin reflective practice - professionalism and reflective leadership in the early years Vital aspects of practice, such as assessing and planning for children′s learning, developing inclusive teaching strategies and integrated practice are highlighted within the chapters. This is essential reading for students undertaking work-based and academic study in early years and for those working towards post-graduate and professional qualifications. It provides readers with tools to continually practice work-based reflective learning now and in the future.

Working with Two-year-olds is an accessible and practical guide into the developmental pathways of two-year-olds. The book uses established research and environmental and cultural effects to provide an essential background on two-year-old development, while incorporating reflective questions and tasks to encourage self-reflection throughout. Divided into three clear parts, this book covers useful and interesting topics on the development of two-year-olds, such as: Emotional and social development Language and communicating Disposition and mindset Playful learning Family life Physical development Providing theoretical overviews alongside practical ideas, and consistently encouraging critical self-reflection on all topics covered, Brierley has created an informative and constructive manual for students on Early Childhood courses and for practitioners and childminders on continuing professional development courses alike.