Synopses & Reviews
This book is about twelve nurseries in three countries - how they are organized, who works in them, and which children attend them. In particular, it explores what staff think about the work they are doing, how they view it, and whether or not they enjoy it. The author traces how these views and opinions are translated into action, and how they affect the children. She also explores what contribution the context and location of the nurseries makes to their practice. The author compares her observations of daily practice in these nurseries, and draws valuable conclusions about the values and practices which support 'good' nursery provision.
The author's findings are recorded in some detail, but they are also located in a more general framework of research into early years. The findings are used to offer a radical critique of key issues in early childhood, and in particular of the practices of day nurseries in the United Kingdom. The differences between how children are treated in each country will enable early childhood practitioners and researchers to explore key concerns from a new angle: what kind of physical environment is best for young children? How do children in groups relate to each other and to staff? How important is early learning and how is it promoted in day care? How do staff get on with each other and what difference does the style of management make to their relationships with children? Does training make a difference? What role do local authorities have in regulating and supporting nurseries?
This book offers important insights into day care and education in early childhood in the UK, as well as Italy and Spain.
Synopsis
This book examines 12 nurseries in three countries - how they are organized, who works in them, and which children attend them. In particular, it explores what staff think about the work they are doing, how they view it, and whether or not they enjoy it. The author traces how these views and opinions are translated into action, and how they affect the children. She also explores what contribution the context and location of the nurseries makes to their practice. The author compares her observations of daily practice in these nurseries, and draws valuable conclusions about the values and practices which support good nursery provision.