Alison Robins – författare

`This book gives a thorough, detailed account of mentoring, with accompanying case studies which will be invaluable to anyone undertaking the role...this book will encourage readers to develop reflective practice in their settings and that this will help to improve quality' - Nursery World

`A valuable and timely contribution to the Early Years field. This will be essential reading for all Early Years practitioners engaged in practice-based learning and will provide valuable guidance for all mentors in the field' - Dr Rose Drury, Lecturer in Early Years, The Open University

Mentoring is an important part of good, professional practice. It provides a framework of support for continuous personal and professional development and is integral to the development of quality provision within early years.

This book is designed as a guide for all those involved in the mentoring process. The roles of the mentor and practitioners are carefully examined and chapters cover the following:

oThe role of the mentor

oThe characteristics of a good mentor

oHow mentoring supports personal and professional development

oThe diversity of early years settings and professional roles

oCase studies of mentoring in practice

Chapters include a mixture of relevant theory, practical suggestions, case studies, questions for discussion, activities for personal and professional development and suggestions for further reading. There are suggestions and examples of materials that may be used, and a glossary of key terms.

`This book gives a thorough, detailed account of mentoring, with accompanying case studies which will be invaluable to anyone undertaking the role...this book will encourage readers to develop reflective practice in their settings and that this will help to improve quality' - Nursery World

`A valuable and timely contribution to the Early Years field. This will be essential reading for all Early Years practitioners engaged in practice-based learning and will provide valuable guidance for all mentors in the field' - Dr Rose Drury, Lecturer in Early Years, The Open University

Mentoring is an important part of good, professional practice. It provides a framework of support for continuous personal and professional development and is integral to the development of quality provision within early years.

This book is designed as a guide for all those involved in the mentoring process. The roles of the mentor and practitioners are carefully examined and chapters cover the following:

oThe role of the mentor

oThe characteristics of a good mentor

oHow mentoring supports personal and professional development

oThe diversity of early years settings and professional roles

oCase studies of mentoring in practice

Chapters include a mixture of relevant theory, practical suggestions, case studies, questions for discussion, activities for personal and professional development and suggestions for further reading. There are suggestions and examples of materials that may be used, and a glossary of key terms.

'This book is a very useful resource for setting leaders undertaking advanced study, such as Early Years Professional Status and the National Professional Qualification in Integrated Centre Leadership…[I]t is also an interesting and up-to-date reference tool for qualified managers and leaders of early years settings, large and small, in all sectors' - Early Years Update

'Through discussion points and case studies, the authors explore the key skills and techniques necessary to effectively lead and manage an early years setting - Nursery Education Plus, as part of their 'Ten of the Best early years professional books' feature.

`This book will make a relevant and helpful contribution in enabling practitioners to explore and understand the different ways in which they can lead and manage across a diverse range of settings and at different levels. Through helpful discussion points and case studies, the book will encourage practitioners to consider both theory and practice, including value based practice and the skills required for working within a new multi-disciplinary environment. A welcome and accessible text for early years practitioners facing the challenges and demands of this new agenda' - Professor Linda Miller, Professor of Early Years, The Open University

Firmly grounded in practice, this book puts children and families at the centre of good early years leadership. There is now considerable emphasis on leadership skills in this sector, as the workforce becomes increasingly professionalized.

The following are considered:

-changes and developments within the early years sector

-the impact of good leadership on children and their families

-effective practice in a variety of settings, including Children's Centres

-value-based leadership, and inspirational leadership

-meeting the challenges

-managing change

-inter-agency and multi-disciplinary working

-working with families and parent groups.

Useful features such as Activities for Continuing Professional Development, Questions for Reflection and Pictures of Practice appear throughout the book.

Those studying for Foundation Degrees, leaders undertaking the National Professional Qualification for Integrated Centre Leadership (NPQICL), those undertaking the management modules for Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) and anyone studying Childhood and Early Childhood will find this book an invaluable aid.