Reviewed by Nicola Dickinson, childminder, Wakefield
From the title, I assumed this book was aimed at established childminders keen to improve their practice and achieve an 'outstanding' grade in their inspection. I did not, therefore, expect to see chapters on establishing yourself as a childminder, the pitfalls and advantages and how to complete mandatory forms. The information here is nominal and has been covered comprehensively in other publications.
The legislative history which gave rise to the Every Child Matters and the Early Years Foundation Stage is also covered, though in the context of the book I am not entirely sure it is relevant.
From an academic viewpoint, however, the book is useful to a childminder who is studying for an NVQ level 3, a qualification that is to be compulsory for all childminders. It gives some basic background information on relevant legislation and direction for further research.
There is a comprehensive set of checklists that address the EYFS welfare requirements and offer a useful guide for childminders who are perhaps struggling with the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the transition from Birth to Three and The Foundation Stage.
The book breaks down the requirements of Every Child Matters and the EYFS into absorbable chunks, discussing the criteria and giving hints on how to meet each one. The exercises offer the opportunity to reflect and evaluate.
The book is constructive for childminders who want to ensure that they are meeting the EYFS criteria. Lee stresses the importance of planning and self-evaluation, examining areas for improvement and, in a changeable childcare market, the need to continue training and improve a professional image.
Understanding Early Years Policy (Second edition) by Peter Baldock, Damien Fitzgerald and Janet Kay (Sage Publications, £21.99, ISBN 978-1-84787-447-4)
Covering the latest developments in early years policy, this book explores the processes of how policy is made, implemented, analysed and developed over time. It provides a complete overview of policy and its impact on policy. Revisions include a discussion of the EYFS and recent developments in SEN.
- Whose Childhood Is It? Edited by Richard Eke, Helen Butcher and Mandy Lee (Continuum, £19.99, ISBN 978-0-8264-9981-3)
This book sets out key issues and theories that inform our understanding of childhood. Its two central themes are: children's sense of self and adults' cultural fabrications of childhood (as well as their impact on policy and provision for young children); and representations of children.
