By Pat Brunton and Linda Thornton (Optimus Education, £69, ISBN 9781905538348) Reviewed by Tracey Osborn, Jolly Giraffes
After my initial confusion, caused by a rogue set of duplicate dividers finding its way into my handbook, I settled down to plough my way through this 338 page document - and was glad I did.
The 'Context' section offers a whistlestop tour through the evolution of childcare in recent years. However, I was less keen on 'Vision, Values and Marketing an Image' as I feel these things should be intrinsic and not learned. But it helps one to consider the whole package and provides a reference point and basis for 'brainstorming'.
The skills, experience and personal qualities lists share the things you need to know about such a venture. The explanations of different types of companies and their structure is useful and the website links provide a starting point.
The legal requirements section is excellent and the description of the recruitment processes is thorough, combined with useful forms that would serve as a basis for forming the setting's own.
I found myself making notes of useful websites linked to current ideas and plans I had for my own nursery - however good a setting is, it can always be improved. This handbook is a useful toolkit for existing nursery managers and an invaluable resource for those starting a nursery. The handbook and CD-Rom provide value for money.
- Professionalism in the Early Years
Edited by Linda Miller and Carrie Cable (Hodder Education, £19.99, ISBN 9780340948347)
A host of authorities from the early years and childcare sector, including Peter Moss, Linda Pound, Sue Owen, Gill Haynes and Pamela Calder, have contributed to this interesting publication. The book reflects the Government's aim to attain more professionalism in the early years sector and covers issues including:
- routes to professionalism
- key themes and issues within the early years workforce
- policy developments.
- Child Obesity: A Parent's Guide
By Judith Manson (Need 2 Know, £8.99, ISBN 9781861440495)
This book is aimed at parents and carers who are worried about their children's eating habits. It offers practical advice on helping to change eating habits and achievable strategies for tackling obesity, such as how to read food labels and child-friendly recipes.
