Learning in the early years - Jeni Riley

`The authors have brought together much expertise and discuss some interesting ideas, issues and research, and this is useful for those who work close to the transition point form the foundation SAGE to Key State 1 (both before and after it), including students, teachers and advisers Early Years

Although this book is quite long at 225 pages, I found it hard to put it down. I particularily liked the way it not only covered the foundation stage but also followed this through into Key Stage 1, showing the next stage in development and the difference between the play based learning in the Foundation stage to the formal learning in year 1. The chapter on Personal, Social and Emotional development was by far my favourite as it gives you an insight into how children develop in this important area - Who Minds

`It is important to view childhood education as inquiry rather than a prescription in order to encourage a broader, less linear view of development and more inclusive strategies of care and education. This edited book is an important contribution to this difficult work - Elizabeth Quintero, The Steinhardt School of Education, New York University, International Journal of Early Years Education

`This edited collection by Jeni Riley and colleagues, is based in a well-laid plan: to bring together Qualifications and Curriculum Authority guidance for the foundation stage and The National Curriclum for Key State 1, and to build bridges of commentary and discussion across the two documents, supporting the whole recent and relevant research evidence - Mary Jane Drummond, Times Educational Supplement, Friday Magazine

Using the `Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage document as a conceptual map of intellectual, physical, aesthetic and spiritual development throughout the years three to seven, this book shows how educators can meet the demands of the curriculum guidance offered by the Early Learning Goals, the statutory requirements of The National Curriculum in Key Stage 1 and The Literacy and Numeracy Strategies. Expert contributors address issues surrounding continuity, progression, subject knowledge and age-phase specific pedagogies.