An up to date and accessible text that takes a critical approach to key themes within the early years, with a focus throughout on reflective practice.

Provides an accessible yet critical approach to key themes within the early years, with a focus throughout on reflective practice.

It starts by examining theories and research into the nature of reflection, how it can be used and how it can improve practice and produce a more responsive and thoughtful, research-based workforce for young children and their families. A range of themes, including global childhood poverty, observation and assessment, leadership, and multi-professional working, are then explored, highlighting the importance and application of reflection throughout these areas of research and practice.

This new edition includes two completely new chapters on reflecting on work-based learning and reflecting on children’s play and creativity. Information on mentoring and on the position of men in early years higher education has also been added. Greater depth and challenge is provided through extended thinking questions and extended reflections at the end of each chapter.

1. What is Reflection?
2. Writing for Reflection
3. Critical Friends: the reflective facilitator
4. Reflecting on work-based learning
5. Reflecting on the Transition from Vocational Practice to University Study
6. Reflection Informed by Observation and Assessment
7. Reflecting on play and creativity
8. Emotionally Available Reflective Practice
9. Reflecting on Racism in Predominantly White Settings
10. Reflecting on Global Childhood Poverty 
11. The Reflective Leader and Resourceful Manager
12. Reflecting on the Multi- professional Team
13. Reflection and Change