Early Childhood Education

Recent years have seen unprecedented attention paid to early childhood education in Scotland. Eric Wilkinson outlines the main policies introduced under New Labour, including the Childcare Strategy, the Curriculum Framework, the Care Commission and Sure Start, and draws attention to the growing regulatory framework in which early childhood education is now located. The influence of research findings on policy formulation and the tensions of Third Way policies in early years education are also examined. Finally, Professor Wilkinson attempts to balance contemporary concerns to protect vulnerable children with the desire to give all children the best opportunities to develop and learn. Essential reading for all those working with young children, this book is particularly useful for teachers in training or undertaking professional development courses.