Key Concepts in Early Childhood Education and Care

′This is a very useful reference guide, something of an ′early years dictionary′ which will be useful to a wide audience, particularly as we move forward into a world of more integrated services where practitioners of different professional backgrounds will be working together to provide early years services′ -
Early Years Update

′This second edition provides a comprehensive overview of key topics in early childhood education and care, updated to reflect current topics and issues for example, the Early Years Foundation Stage, the Reggio Emilia approach and Early Years Professional Status. Cathy Nutbrown has provided a rich resource for those new to early childhood and those working within it, whether a student or a practitioner. A resource of topics to ′pick and mix′; for readers to review old favourites, update knowledge and to learn something new′ -
Dr Elaine Hallet,
The Institute of Education, London

Praise for the 1st Edition:

′This is a text that is comprehensive in its scope and written in a highly accessible style. It provides an informed and stimulating insight into the key concepts and issues in early years that will captivate readers. The book illuminates these concepts by combining current research, case studies and practical examples with helpful further reading. Like a chocolate box, I found it difficult to know which to choose first!′ - Jonathan Doherty, Head of Early Childhood Education, Leeds Metropolitan University

′A very useful resource in early years settings... The book is concise, easy to dip into and covers many very topical areas of interest′ - Early Talk

Straightforward and accessible, this book provides a useful overview and revision aid. -- Andrew Kennedy * drupal *
A helpful reference text for students -- Dr Debbie Watson * drupal *
I will recommend that students buy a copy of this book because it would be useful to them across the units that they study throughout their degree course. It provides a starting point for their thinking on a range of subjects and the follow-up references would give them a steer about where to go next. -- Dr Gina Sherwood * drupal *
Excellent book. -- Dr Judith Butler * drupal *
The book provides a very useful introductory read for early years students on a range of significant topics. The indicative reading lists are very useful as a stimulus for further reading. The emphasis on literacy as the expense of other areas of learning and development is the main limitation of this edition. -- Dr Ros Garrick * drupal *
This book provides a useful outline of key concepts in early childhood education and care and will be very useful to students studying my second year module. -- Dr Sally Hester * drupal *
excellent text, essetial reading at level 4 -- Janine Ryan * drupal *
An excellent little handbook for student teachers to dip into for an overview of key issues in education. Very useful indeed. -- Jill Dunn * drupal *
Good extension and independent reading, useful across all early year′s degrees. -- Mary Butler * drupal *
Having used this text when I initially trained as a teacher many years ago, I was delighted to review a new edition. This is an ideal book for my module on ′provision for children′ and to support my child development module. It is extremely comprehensible and highlights key approaches, theoretical perspectives, considerations essential for a quality early childhood provision. It provides an overview so students can then choose what to examine in more depth. -- Miss Catherine Farnon * drupal *
An interesting book covering a vast amount of topics. A good starting point for further study -- Miss Erika Cunningham * drupal *
An easy read for new students covering a range of concepts. -- Miss KATY MEREDITH * drupal *
A really useful book for students studying Early Childhood. It provides a clear and up to date guide to key concepts and ideas in Early Years education and care. -- Miss Sandra Lyndon * drupal *
The book presents a good starting point for students, particularly undergraduates as it introduces them to a number of concepts which they will encounter during their programme. It is clear, concise and gives students the opportunity to explore key themes and the latest developments in the field of early childhood. As a resource tool, the book may be useful to students who are engaged in the early stages of developing their ideas for a small-scale research project.
-- Miss Themesa Neckles * drupal *
good introductory text with , as the title says, essential key facts for learners -- Mr Andrew Holmes * drupal *
This is a very useful reference book which will be valuable to a range of students and practitioners. -- Mr Luke Champion * drupal *
Not adopting this for this particular course, as little on safeguarding, but will recommend for other modules I teach - a very useful guide to key concepts, much more clearly written than its Key Concepts in Family Studies. Very helpful for learners as a reference text. -- Mr Martin Harmer * drupal *
excellent for broadening students′ perceptions -- Mr Paul Lunn * drupal *
An excellent book which provides opportunities for students to reflect on their pedadogy and practice. I am going to use it in discussions with my students. -- Mrs Amanda Thomas * drupal *
An excellent book to dip into for tasters about many early years issues. A good starting point for the study of many topics. -- Mrs Carol Clare * drupal *
An easy read regarding the key concepts in Early Years. The book has discussion points for all practitioners and students to use to reflect on aspects of their practice.
I think this is an essential book for all in Early Years. -- Mrs Dawn Burnham * drupal *
A very relevant text that will be useful to students studying a range of modules on our multi disciplinary programme -- Mrs Deborah Harris * drupal *
An excellent overview. I would highly recommend this book to anyone entering into work with young children, suitable for both under and post- graduate. -- Mrs Deirdre Hewitt * drupal *
Useful information for the experienced practitioner presented in a concise logical way. Variety of appropriate current reserach referred to within the text. -- Mrs Diane Forsyth * drupal *
This text covers a wide range of appropriate information which would initiate further study from other relevant texts that provide more depth and breadth. -- Mrs Freda Cummings * drupal *
Good general book which offers an insight into many aspects of Early Childhood. -- Mrs Helen Jones * drupal *
This book provides students with accessible and authoritative knowledge on a variety of topics in early years.
Contains up to date information and developments in key issues such as, attachment, the foundation stage and babies learning and development. Kathy Nutbrown at her best. -- Mrs Helen Middleton * drupal *
A good book for the more able Level 1 student and recommended for the Level 2 and 3 students. -- Mrs Jan Roberts * drupal *
An easy to read book which covers the key concepts in Early Childhood in a concise and an easy to read way. -- Mrs Jane Smithson * drupal *
The short ′snap shots′ of key concepts are really useful as an introduction to the topics for students -- Mrs Janet Goldsbrough * drupal *
This is an excellent book giving a bite-sized review of many of the key concepts that early years students need to know about and understand; reference section at the end of each chapter signposts students to additional reading and research materials. I was surprised that there was not a separate chapter on outdoor play and/or Froebel when Montessori/Steiner/Waldorf approaches were included but I understand that there has to be a cut off. -- Mrs Janet Harvell * drupal *
This book does what it says on the cover. A really comprehensive overview of current issues in the early years. A must have for reference for all students, to dip in and out. -- Mrs Julie Brierley * drupal *
a good book for finding arguments for and agains situations learners used this book a lot throughout their studies -- Mrs Karen Cooke * drupal *
Covers pertinent areas linked to work with children and families in a succinct manner, which is also easy to access. -- Mrs Karen Southern * drupal *
This very useful starter guide written by a very well respected Early Years academic will be invaluable for students new to working in the Early Years. I will be recommending this for my specialist students who begin their course this September. the examples provided will allow the students to set their reading into context and begin to relate theoretical approaches with early years practice. The handy reference guide will be a useful pointer for further study. -- Mrs Karen Vincent * drupal *
This book supports relevant issues related to early years. -- Mrs Kelly Needham * drupal *
Useful book for a wide range of information about key concepts in early years education. -- Mrs Lynne Kendall * drupal *
A compact book packed with concepts for Early Years practitioners to build their understanding of the ever evolving field of childcare and education. -- Mrs Lynne Truelove * drupal *
This is a really good book for students who are starting to look at key concepts. The chapters are all easy to read and relevent to childhood education and care. This will be a good starter book for all students on a level 2 or 3 course -- Mrs Noelle Wilson * drupal *
Good book from Cathy (again).
Subjects are presented quite a compact way. Thank you! -- Mrs Paivi Valtonen * drupal *
Cathy Nutbrown yet again does not fail to inform us and keep us up to date on key areas. This book will be recommended to my students when completing their research assignment and indeed may even give them some new ideas. -- Mrs Pamela Canning * drupal *
excellent material for the Foundation Degree in early Years. outlines concepts very clearly -- Mrs Paula Willis * drupal *
Pitched at the correct level to get the message across without being too theoretical. -- Mrs Sharon Tonner * drupal *
I like the format of little tasters of different aspects to encourage further reading and have found it useful myself. I will recommend it for students to buy for themselves as a good source book for further knowledge and research. -- Mrs Sheena Smart * drupal *
A good introduction to key concepts and further reading -- Mrs Theresa Waterhouse * drupal *
This book is very concise - for students this makes research on key concepts for early childhood education and care an easy starting point and the further reading lists will be beneficial to enable further research on the various topics. -- Mrs Yvonne Stradwick * drupal *
We have core texts for the programme. I enjoyed reading this and will be placing this on the reading list as an essential text for those students joining the FdA. It will give them an overview of many of the concepts that they will meet during the two years of the programme. -- Mrs Zenna Kingdon * drupal *
This will become recommended reading on a Child Development module that Year 1 BEd′s follow. It will support their understanding of many key concepts. -- Mrs Zenna Kingdon * drupal *
I have adopted this text for my first year BA Child and Youth Studies module focusing on early childhood philosophy and practice. Offers students insight and good overview of key concepts. -- Ms Alice Mongiello * drupal *
I think this book is of great value for everyone in early years. Cathy Nutbrown ′de bunks′ much of the terminology used and offers clear concise information about many key concepts and topics. I found exactly what I needed quickly and easily. Excellent for all levels, to inform, sanction ideas or as a starting point to inspire further reading. Great support for staff teaching new cypw quals. -- Ms Caroline Brooks * drupal *
An essential reference text for students new to ECEC. -- Ms Jane Murray * drupal *
This book extends students understanding and knowledge throughout the Early Years. It has been useful to pick relevant sections and the chapter on neurosciences was held in high regard by the students (PGCE Early Years)./ The futher reading suggested were finely tuned to extend the chapters. -- Ms Jane Noble * drupal *
A fresh, up to date look at the key concepts in a digestible but not limited fashion. -- Ms Karen Ashurst * drupal *
Excellent resource for students who wish to extend their knowledge of a variety of areas within Early Years.
A wealth of practical advice as well as guidance in implementing new concepts. -- Ms Lisa Oneill * drupal *
Useful reference source for students particularly those new to Early Years. -- Ms Sue Kellas * drupal *