Working Together For Young Children

With 1994 designated the United Nations Year of the Family, young children and their relationship with parents and carers is firmly back on the political agenda. Amongst recent legislation to meet this agenda in Britain is the Children Act 1989. The Act seeks to improve the position and perception of children in society, by stressing the rights of children and the responsibilities that parents and the caring professions have towards them. Working Together For Young Children addresses the central issues facing young children and their families in the light of this new social and political climate. The contributors - experienced in the fields of health, education, social and voluntary services - provide information, research evidence and ideas about practice in the light of recent legislative reform. Emphasising the need for continuity, comprehensiveness and collaboration at all levels of care provision, different chapters explore the services directed at children `in need' as well as children in general.

Tricia David was a head teacher in three schools before joining the University of Warwick, where she is currently Senior Lecturer in Education. Her main teaching and research interests in the field of early childhood focus on policy issues relating to the position of children in society, children and their families and children's rights.

Chapter 1 What's so special about families?, Tricia David; Part I Services for young children and their families; Chapter 2 In sickness and in health, Clare Blackburn; Chapter 3 Childminders and children, Judy Warner; Chapter 4 Teachers and young children in educational establishments, Cathy Nutbrown; Chapter 5 Voluntary agencies, young children and their families: preschool playgroups, Margaret Brown; Chapter 6 Daycare and nursery education as a business, Vivienne Whittingham; Part II Children in need; Chapter 7 Becoming a special family, Elaine Herbert; Chapter 8 When parents separate - having two homes, Erica De'Ath; Chapter 9 Supporting 'children in need' - the role of the social worker, Norma Baldwin, Christine Harrison; Chapter 10 Young children in the care system, Sonia Jackson; Chapter 11 Making a difference for children 'in need', Tricia David; Part III Issues and implications; Chapter 12 Young children in day nurseries and combined centres run by the Social Services dePart ment - practitioner research, Margy Whalley; Chapter 13 Training to work with young children, Audrey Curtis; Chapter 14 Coordinating provision - the story so far in one local authority, Ann Sharp; Chapter 15 Postscript. Supporting children and families - an optimistic future?, Tricia David;