Providing a unique and critical insight into some of the most significant issues affecting Early Years Policy, this book has chapters from leading authorities and researchers in the field and draws on current research, addresses key debates and considers international perspectives.

Topics covered include:

- policy making

- poverty, disadvantage and social exclusion

- promoting infant mental health

- safeguarding and well-being

- enhancing children's potential

- parenting policies and skills

- national strategies versus professional autonomy

- the marketisation of early years provision

- democracy as a fundamental value in Early Years

Taking a critical perspective and written in an accessible style, the book is relevant to all levels of Early Years courses, from Foundation Degree to Masters. The reader is encouraged to engage with debates and to develop their own views and opinions. With staggered levels of Further Reading, the editors and contributors provide a rich source of material that encourages reflection and promotes progression.

Linda Miller is Professor Emeritus of Early Years, The Open University.

Denise Hevey is Professor of Early Years, The University of Northampton.

Introduction: Critical Perspectives on Early Years Policy-Making - Denise Hevey, University of Northampton and Linda Miller, Open University
PART ONE: POVERTY, SOCIAL DISADVANTAGE AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Poverty, Disadvantage and Social Exclusion - Naomi Eisenstadt, University of Oxford, UK (former Head of Sure Start and Head of Cabinet Office Social Exclusion Unit.)
Closing the Gap: Policy into Action - Jenny Spratt, Head of EY Services for Peterborough, Sue Owen, Director of Children¿s Well being, National Children¿s Bureau and Caroline Sharp, National Foundation
Promoting Infant Mental Health: A Public Health Priority - Angela Underdown, Associate Professor of Public Health in the Early Years, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick
PART TWO: EVIDENCE-BASED INTERVENTIONS IN EARLY YEARS
Enhancing Potential in Children (EPIC) - Stuart Shanker, Director, The Milton and Harris Research Initiative and Roger Downer, York University, Canada.
Safeguarding, Well-Being and Universal Services: A Case Study of Scotland - Jane Aldgate and Wendy Rose, The Open University, UK and policy advisers to Scottish Government
Parenting Policies and Skills Strategies in the United Kingdom - Mary Crowley, formerly CEO of Parenting UK
Play as a Foundation for Learning? The Rhetoric and Reality of the National Strategy for Early Education and Assessment in England - Lesley Staggs, formerly National Director of the Foundation Stage National Strategy
PART THREE: MARKETIZATION AND DEMOCRATIZATION
Making Democracy a Fundamental Value in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) - Meaning What? - Prof. Peter Moss, Institute of Education, University of London, UK.
Marketization of Early Years and Childcare Services - Eva Lloyd with Helen Penn, Centre for Study of Marketisation in Childcare, University of East London, UK
Early Years Services as a Vehicle for Democratization: ISSA¿s Experience in Supporting Practitioners¿ Professional Development, Building Partnerships and Influencing Systems - Ulviya Mikailova, Gerda Sula, Dawn Tankersley, Aija Tuna, International Step-by-Step Association (ISSA), Hungary.
Conclusion
Critical Perspectives on Policy Implementation - Linda Miller, The Open University and Denise Hevey, University of Northampton, UK