Chapter 1: The centrality of play in early childhood
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Nancy Stewart Kierna Corr Julia Henderson Chapter overview Play is a fundamental in childhood, and enshrined as
This chapter is built around the policy contexts of Wales and England. This immediately requires a definition of terms, which we seek to do through prac- tice examples throughout the chapter. With an emphasis on observation in the moment and practitioner reflection, we consider how observation-informed assessment should be prioritised over prescribed assessments which can obscure the fascinations of individual children as they learn holistically. Case study material highlights the effectiveness of assessing though naturalistic observation, and the important role of parents in their children’s assessments.
Cree, J. and Robb, M. (2021) The Essential Guide to Forest School and Nature Pedagogy. London: Routledge.
White, J. (2015) Every Child a Mover: A Practical Guide to Providing Young Children with the Physical Opportunities They Need. London: Early Education.
The Children and Nature website
Outdoor ELC for practitioners
This film shares practitioner experiences in outdoor ELC.
Photos of a child’s writing during outdoor play. Supplied by Nicola Brinning
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Nancy Stewart Kierna Corr Julia Henderson Chapter overview Play is a fundamental in childhood, and enshrined as
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Verity Campbell- Barr Sasha Tregenza May Chapter overview In this chapter, we explore and analyse developments in
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Alison Featherbe Louise Lloyd-Evans Helen Moylett Chapter overview In the early years, where our habits of mind
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Elizabeth Henderson Emma Gordon Helen McKinnon Jacqueline Bremner Maggie MacDonald Chapter overview Taking a Scottish perspective, this
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Cathy Nutbrown Becky Cook Chapter overview Early childhood education settings are increasingly, developing work with parents to
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Aline-Wendy Dunlop Lisa Barnes Myra McRobbie Chapter overview In this chapter we have chosen a transitions lens
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Jan Georgeson Emma Short Helen Adams Kate Ullman Chapter overview This chapter traces a brief history of
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Stella Louis Sally Cave Nasma Meah Chapter overview This chapter outlines what anti-discriminatory practice is and the
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Shaddai Tembo Fifi Benham Chapter overview This chapter examines the role of gender and LGBTQ+ inclusive practice
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Kathy Sylva Lesley Curtis Chapter overview This chapter explores the role of Children’s Centres (CCs) in serving
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Nathan Archer David Yates Chapter overview When considering the future, looking back at recent changes in the
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Elizabeth Wood Louise Kay Jessica Travers Chapter overview This chapter draws on international research to indicate how
Back to overview of chapter resources Chapter authors Cathy Nutbrown Beatrice Merrick Chapter overview This chapter is a little different from the others. It considers
Early Education
2 Victoria Square
St Albans
AL1 3TF
T: 01727 884925
E: office@early-education.org.uk
