Maggie Smith – författare

To integrate the principles, values, and practices of sustainable development into all aspects of education and learning was the overarching goal of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014). This, it was believed, would ‘save the planet’, encouraging behaviour changes to allow for the development of a more sustainable and just society for all. Awareness of sustainable development has risen enormously in recent years, challenging us, as individuals and as families, workplaces, and communities (both local and global), to think about and act upon the major issue which we face.

The Decade reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to the crucial role of education and learning in the pursuit of sustainable development, and the need for far-reaching changes in the way education is often practised. Of course, the very idea that education should be for something (whether sustainable development or anything else), remains as questionable as ever. Nevertheless the instigation of the Decade clearly recognised the need for intensified efforts to achieve sustainable development.

This book reflects on the role and impact of the Decade in helping to reorient education towards sustainability, and looks forward, beyond the end of the Decade and its achievements, to contemplate the way ahead, giving special attention to case studies and the state of affairs in England. The authors offer different perspectives on the effectiveness and value of particular initiatives and practices that are responses to the Decade. This book was originally published as a special issue of The Curriculum Journal.

To integrate the principles, values, and practices of sustainable development into all aspects of education and learning was the overarching goal of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014). This, it was believed, would ‘save the planet’, encouraging behaviour changes to allow for the development of a more sustainable and just society for all. Awareness of sustainable development has risen enormously in recent years, challenging us, as individuals and as families, workplaces, and communities (both local and global), to think about and act upon the major issue which we face.

The Decade reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to the crucial role of education and learning in the pursuit of sustainable development, and the need for far-reaching changes in the way education is often practised. Of course, the very idea that education should be for something (whether sustainable development or anything else), remains as questionable as ever. Nevertheless the instigation of the Decade clearly recognised the need for intensified efforts to achieve sustainable development.

This book reflects on the role and impact of the Decade in helping to reorient education towards sustainability, and looks forward, beyond the end of the Decade and its achievements, to contemplate the way ahead, giving special attention to case studies and the state of affairs in England. The authors offer different perspectives on the effectiveness and value of particular initiatives and practices that are responses to the Decade. This book was originally published as a special issue of The Curriculum Journal.

Includes CD-Rom

'Any setting will find this a useful, informative and accessible book' - Early Years Update

' I really enjoyed reviewing this book and will find it an excellent resource to share with the childminders with whom I work. I feel that it would benefit early years practitioners from all settings and would be a useful tool for tutors and students working at all levels'- National Childminding Association

'The straight forward step-by-step practical advice and guidance in this essential guide really helps to demystify exactly what is meant by inclusion . It is a vital and essential read for all those working with the 0-5 age range. It is an easy read that will leave you feeling more confident and well-informed about your role and it empowers you to help children with difficulties that you may have been reluctant to include in your setting' - Early Years Educator

'I really liked the way the book is set out with hands-on activities, checklists, discussion points and further reading after each chapter...[it] is full of brilliant suggestions and practical ideas to ensure all children can play and learn together...I will be recommending this book to early years practitioners and colleagues' - Nursery World

'A useful and informative book, written in a style that is easily understood and accessible to practitioners at different levels. I found the case studies and activities within the book helpful to practitioners in evaluating their own practice, and its references to further sources of support will be invaluable to the busy childcare professionals of today' - Natalie Chaplin, Head of Care, Education & Public Services, Suffolk College

Are you looking for straight-forward practical advice on inclusion in the Pre-School?

This first book in the Hands on Guides series provides step-by-step instruction on how to make your pre-school setting inclusive, and provides lots of helpful photocopiable resources, checklists and practical activities.

Issues covered include:

oadvice on inclusive environments, play and planning to meet individual needs in 0 - 3 and Foundation stage settings

ocoverage of current legislation, such as the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and what it means for the pre-school practitioner;

oquick-reference materials, for planning and auditing any early years setting;

oa CD Rom with templates that can be customised to fit your needs.

This book is essential for those working with Birth to Three Matters and the Foundation Stage curriculum, including pre-school practitioners, managers, advisory teachers, Area SENCOs, Inclusion Officers Tutors and Child Care and Education students and tutors.

`This very timely book...aims to support practitioners to work in partnership with parents, particularly those parents whose children have special or additional needs...It very clearly sets out the principles, legislative framework and processes which are essential knowledge for all SENCOs and managers in early years settings' - Early Years Update

`The book has a positive approach to all aspects of working with parents and children...It's a book you can easily dip in and out of and is written in plain English...There aren't many textbooks I can read from cover to cover but this is one - I found it really interesting and enlightening. Score - 10 out of ten' - National Childminding Association

`In short, this book provides almost everything you need in order to work successfully with parents' - Early Years Educator

Are you looking for advice on how to work successfully with parents?

Every practitioner knows that it is vitally important to work well with parents and make the relationship a positive and productive one, to ensure the best support for the child with special educational needs. This book offers clear strategies for ways to forge successful and lasting relationships with parents.

It includes:

-advice on working together with parents to improve the child's learning

-strategies for communicating effectively with parents

-help for the pre-school SENCO, showing how they can lead the process

-tips for building successful links with other related professionals

-activities and case studies

-a CD Rom with checklists and useful photocopiable material.

This book is ideal for all those working with the 0 to 5 age range, such as pre-school practitioners, nursery managers, advisory teachers, SENCOs, Inclusion Officers and Child Care and Education students and tutors.

Chris Dukes and Maggie Smith are both Area SENCOs who work closely with pre-school SENCOs and Managers on a daily basis.

`This book is highly recommended for all practitioners interested in improving their practice in developing young children's communication and language. The ability to print material form the CD-Rom enables the information to be accessed by practitioners working with children of different ages in different rooms in a setting' - Early Years Update

`A very clear and easy to read style of text...This book has a common sense approach to good practice. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone wishing to develop this area of childminding work' - National Childminding Association

`An excellent resource for all those working with young children...the ideas are tried and tested, user-friendly and research-based, and can be trusted and implemented with ease' - Early Years Educator

`This book will be an invaluable support: a treasure-chest of superb resources, materials, ideas and suggestions for the busy early years practitioner who is keen to develop the language of the children in their care. The CD-ROM will save some of that precious time we all strive to expand, and the practical strategies offered will be a boon to practice in the setting' - Collette Drifte

Looking for advice on how to develop communication and language skills in the pre-school?

Packed with helpful advice on supporting and developing the crucial language and communication skills of the children in your early years setting, this book provides clear guidance on appropriate expectations for each age group between birth to five.

The book includes:

-advice on how to support language development in all children, including those with special educational needs

-practical ideas and strategies for practitioners and parents

-guidance on when to seek advice and working with other professionals

- activities and case studies

-a CD Rom with useful photocopiable resources.

This book is ideal for all those working with the 0 to 5 age range, such as pre-school practitioners, nursery managers, advisory teachers, SENCOs, Inclusion Officers and Child Care and Education students and tutors.

Chris Dukes and Maggie Smith are both Area SENCOs who work closely with pre-school SENCOs and Managers on a daily basis.

`This book is highly recommended for all practitioners interested in improving their practice in developing young children's communication and language. The ability to print material form the CD-Rom enables the information to be accessed by practitioners working with children of different ages in different rooms in a setting' - Early Years Update

`A very clear and easy to read style of text...This book has a common sense approach to good practice. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone wishing to develop this area of childminding work' - National Childminding Association

`An excellent resource for all those working with young children...the ideas are tried and tested, user-friendly and research-based, and can be trusted and implemented with ease' - Early Years Educator

`This book will be an invaluable support: a treasure-chest of superb resources, materials, ideas and suggestions for the busy early years practitioner who is keen to develop the language of the children in their care. The CD-ROM will save some of that precious time we all strive to expand, and the practical strategies offered will be a boon to practice in the setting' - Collette Drifte

Looking for advice on how to develop communication and language skills in the pre-school?

Packed with helpful advice on supporting and developing the crucial language and communication skills of the children in your early years setting, this book provides clear guidance on appropriate expectations for each age group between birth to five.

The book includes:

-advice on how to support language development in all children, including those with special educational needs

-practical ideas and strategies for practitioners and parents

-guidance on when to seek advice and working with other professionals

- activities and case studies

-a CD Rom with useful photocopiable resources.

This book is ideal for all those working with the 0 to 5 age range, such as pre-school practitioners, nursery managers, advisory teachers, SENCOs, Inclusion Officers and Child Care and Education students and tutors.

Chris Dukes and Maggie Smith are both Area SENCOs who work closely with pre-school SENCOs and Managers on a daily basis.

`This book is highly recommended for all practitioners interested in improving their practice in developing young children′s communication and language. The ability to print material form the CD-Rom enables the information to be accessed by practitioners working with children of different ages in different rooms in a setting′ - Early Years Update

`A very clear and easy to read style of text...This book has a common sense approach to good practice. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone wishing to develop this area of childminding work′ - National Childminding Association

`An excellent resource for all those working with young children...the ideas are tried and tested, user-friendly and research-based, and can be trusted and implemented with ease′ - Early Years Educator

`This book will be an invaluable support: a treasure-chest of superb resources, materials, ideas and suggestions for the busy early years practitioner who is keen to develop the language of the children in their care. The CD-ROM will save some of that precious time we all strive to expand, and the practical strategies offered will be a boon to practice in the setting′ - Collette Drifte

Looking for advice on how to develop communication and language skills in the pre-school?

Packed with helpful advice on supporting and developing the crucial language and communication skills of the children in your early years setting, this book provides clear guidance on appropriate expectations for each age group between birth to five.

The book includes:

-advice on how to support language development in all children, including those with special educational needs

-practical ideas and strategies for practitioners and parents

-guidance on when to seek advice and working with other professionals

- activities and case studies

-a CD Rom with useful photocopiable resources.

This book is ideal for all those working with the 0 to 5 age range, such as pre-school practitioners, nursery managers, advisory teachers, SENCOs, Inclusion Officers and Child Care and Education students and tutors.

Chris Dukes and Maggie Smith are both Area SENCOs who work closely with pre-school SENCOs and Managers on a daily basis.

By asking you to reflect on how the ethos, practice and general approach in your setting impacts on the behaviour of both children and adults, the book suggests sensible ways to achieve an exciting and stimulating environment for all

From an award-winning author team, there is down-to-earth advice, a number of common-sense solutions and all the essential information you will need to develop the best sort of setting, where everyone supports one another.

Chapters offer guidance on:

- creating an enabling environment for all

- developing a team-based approach

- considering the whole child

- working with parents and other professionals

- observing and assessing behaviour

- sharing good practice.

There are also:

- case studies of children between 0 to 5 years

- sample policies

- lots of photocopiable material, on the accompanying CD-Rom.

Suitable for all Early Years students and practitioners, the book is an encouraging read that will inspire and help you to improve behaviour in your class or setting.

From an award-winning author team, the advice contained here will empower you, and give you the confidence to identify and plan for the needs of every child in your care.

Topics discussed in chapters are as follows:

- observation and assessment of needs

- physical development, and how to spot problems

- communication, language and literacy, and how to spot difficulties

- personal, social and emotional development, in line with the holistic child emphasis of the EYFS

There are also:

- case studies of children between 0 to 5 years

- sample policies

- lots of photocopiable material, on the CD-Rom that comes with the book

Suitable for all early years students and practitioners, this book reminds the reader that all children require additional support at some stage, and that providing it is an essential part of good practice.

‘The number of two-year-olds entering our settings has been increasing over the last few years, and with the government set to continue with the expansion of free places, more and more practitioners will be caring for children in this age range for the first time. For those who still think in terms of the 'terrible twos', this book serves as a vital and urgent wake-up call. Whether experienced professional or someone starting out on an early years career, it has a great deal to recommend it. ‘ – Neil Henty, Editor and Associate Publisher, The Early Years Educator

Do you want to know how best to provide for two year olds in your setting? Do you need effective guidance and advice on how to achieve this?

This is an unmissable guide to working with two year olds, offering practical tips and tools to support practitioners, professionals and lecturers in meeting the unique set of needs of this age group.

Written by two experienced early years’ professionals this resource covers all aspects of provision and best practice for successfully working with two year olds, including key concerns such as:

All this plus charts, pro forma, activities and training materials as well as further reading and access to websites, providing you with all you need to respond to the needs of two year olds with confidence.

Chris Dukes and Maggie Smith are both Area SENCOs in London and experienced trainers and authors in the Early Years.

‘The number of two-year-olds entering our settings has been increasing over the last few years, and with the government set to continue with the expansion of free places, more and more practitioners will be caring for children in this age range for the first time. For those who still think in terms of the ′terrible twos′, this book serves as a vital and urgent wake-up call. Whether experienced professional or someone starting out on an early years career, it has a great deal to recommend it. ‘ – Neil Henty, Editor and Associate Publisher, The Early Years Educator

Do you want to know how best to provide for two year olds in your setting? Do you need effective guidance and advice on how to achieve this?

This is an unmissable guide to working with two year olds, offering practical tips and tools to support practitioners, professionals and lecturers in meeting the unique set of needs of this age group.

Written by two experienced early years’ professionals this resource covers all aspects of provision and best practice for successfully working with two year olds, including key concerns such as:

All this plus charts, pro forma, activities and training materials as well as further reading and access to websites, providing you with all you need to respond to the needs of two year olds with confidence.

Chris Dukes and Maggie Smith are both Area SENCOs in London and experienced trainers and authors in the Early Years.

`This very timely book...aims to support practitioners to work in partnership with parents, particularly those parents whose children have special or additional needs...It very clearly sets out the principles, legislative framework and processes which are essential knowledge for all SENCOs and managers in early years settings′ - Early Years Update

`The book has a positive approach to all aspects of working with parents and children...It′s a book you can easily dip in and out of and is written in plain English...There aren′t many textbooks I can read from cover to cover but this is one - I found it really interesting and enlightening. Score - 10 out of ten′ - National Childminding Association

`In short, this book provides almost everything you need in order to work successfully with parents′ - Early Years Educator

Are you looking for advice on how to work successfully with parents?

Every practitioner knows that it is vitally important to work well with parents and make the relationship a positive and productive one, to ensure the best support for the child with special educational needs. This book offers clear strategies for ways to forge successful and lasting relationships with parents.

It includes:

-advice on working together with parents to improve the child′s learning

-strategies for communicating effectively with parents

-help for the pre-school SENCO, showing how they can lead the process

-tips for building successful links with other related professionals

-activities and case studies

-a CD Rom with checklists and useful photocopiable material.

This book is ideal for all those working with the 0 to 5 age range, such as pre-school practitioners, nursery managers, advisory teachers, SENCOs, Inclusion Officers and Child Care and Education students and tutors.

Chris Dukes and Maggie Smith are both Area SENCOs who work closely with pre-school SENCOs and Managers on a daily basis.