Effective Practice in the Early Years Foundation Stage : An Essential Guide

In this compelling new book Vicky Hutchin provides an accessible and readable guide to effective practice in the revised EYFS which

• Explains the revised EYFS areas of learning and development
• Considers the three ‘characteristics of effective learning’ and the implications for practitioners in their interactions with children and the provision they make for them
• Explores in detail the role of practitioners and parents in supporting children’s learning and development
• Examines the importance of partnership with parents in their children’s learning and development and how to develop this
• Details the observation, assessment and planning cycle with a particular focus on the statutory summative assessment, the ‘Progress Check at Age Two’

This is the revised EYFS brought to life for early years practitioners, professionals and students. Threaded throughout the book are real case studies taken from a range of inspiring early years settings. These are backed up by interviews with practitioners as they reflect on and develop their practice to ensure the best support for young children’s development, learning and wellbeing. Each chapter makes reference to relevant research and includes ‘top tips for effective practice’.

“Effective Practice in the EYFS is a clear, comprehensive and accessible exposition of the new EYFS and its requirements for practitioners. Using case studies, examples from settings and observations of children, Vicky Hutchin brings breadth and depth to each aspect of the EYFS and ensures that practitioners have a principled understanding of the importance and relevance of each aspect of their work with young children. The Characteristics of Early Learning are given appropriate significance and can be seen to underpin all subsequent chapters. The Prime and Specific Areas of Learning are each highlighted with great clarity and every chapter concludes with ‘Top Tips for Effective Practice’ which could be used to create a development plan by any setting wanting to reflect on current practice. This book would be valuable for all practitioners but particularly those new to the early years and wanting a clear reference guide to all that is important about teaching in this phase.”
Julie Fisher, Independent Early Years Advisor

“This book will guide practitioners on their journey into the new requirements of the EYFS, and will build confidence. It is written with clarity, encourages common sense and draws on the good practice of real settings together with useful reference to research and literature. Just what is needed!”
Professor Tina Bruce CBE, University of Roehampton, UK

“As an Essential Guide to the revised EYFS Vicky Hutchin’s book covers everything a practitioner needs to know and think about. The emphasis on the Characteristics of Effective Learning ensures that the reader understands right from the outset that HOW children learn rather than WHAT they learn is a priority. There are clear explanations of the Characteristics which are underpinned by the theory of how children learn and develop, including important connections to the psychology of children’s early learning.
Vicky has woven together the statutory requirements of the EYFS with examples of good early years practice and the voice of the child. The central strand of observation and interpreting how children are learning supports practitioners’understanding and gives them helpful directions to the work of Ferre Laevers, Julie Fisher and others.
There is a strong reflective element running through the book with helpful case studies, questions to think about and useful summaries at the end of each chapter. Chapter 12 helpfully directs the reader to think about the EYFS as an evaluative tool to improve the quality of practice.
These are the strengths of Vicky’s book along with the following

A good explanation of school readiness

Clear explanations of child initiated and adult- led thinking and learning

Links to parental involvement throughout the book as well as a dedicated chapter

Assessment which is child focussed and based in the context of observation and planning next steps. The messages are clear and respectful of children

Unpicking each area of learning and making the linksbetween theory and practice as well as a frequent reminderof the holistic nature of children’s development and learning

Top tips for effective practice and points for reflection”
Di Chilvers, Advisory Consultant in Early Childhood