Understanding Early Years Education across the UK

The four nations of the UK each have distinctive policy and curricula in relation to Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). This new textbook offers a comprehensive look at early years education in Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland bringing the curriculum frameworks for each country together in one place. Drawing on the cultural and practical pedagogy of each curriculum, it aims to develop students' understanding of development, care, education, health, well being and upbringing of young children across the UK in a social, pedagogical and policy context.
Divided into two sections, the first examines each country's learning and teaching requirements in detail within a policy context. The book then explores the similarities and differences between the curricula focusing on key areas such as play, the indoor and outdoor learning environment, the family and assessment. Written in an accessible and engaging style, the book aims to help students to analyse and question practice both in their own country and across all four Home Nations

Diane Boyd is Senior Lecturer in Early Years Education and Education Studies at Liverpool John Moores University, UK. Nicky Hirst is Programme Leader for Early Childhood Studies at Liverpool John Moores University, UK.

1. A perspective from England 2. The Foundation Stage Curriculum in Northern Ireland: An Inside Practical Perspective 3. A Scottish Perspective: Development of a value based curriculum 4. The Welsh Foundation Phase 5. A conversation between the Home Nations