Simon Taylor is a Senior Lecturer with the Department for Education and Inclusion at the University of Worcester. Prior to this he worked in the arts and cultural sector for many years; as Head of Learning for Birmingham's Ikon Gallery (2011-2015) and Education and Community Outreach Manager for The Making (2004-2011), an arts agency based in Hampshire.

Originally a graduate of the University of Brighton, Simon started his career as a professional artist in the South East, teaching in a range of settings including Special schools, Children's Centres, Prisons and FE colleges, and working with a diverse range of learners from adults to young people at risk from exclusion, children with special needs, prisoners and young offenders.

Simon is married with two 'grown up' children, is a keen drummer, loves live music and is hoping his potter's wheel is still waiting for him somewhere buried in the garage...

Section One: Defining Creativity
Chapter 1: What is creativity? definitions and debates
Chapter 2: The Value and Benefits of Creativity: Children's Wellbeing and Development (Nicola Watson)
Chapter 3: The Modes of Creativity
Section Two: Creativity in Practice
Chapter 4: Storytelling, imaginative and symbolic play
Chapter 5: Art and children's drawings: making meaning and visual literacy
Chapter 6: Music and movement: communication and community
Section Three: Creativity, Policy and Inclusion
Chapter 7: Creativity and the Policy Context
Chapter 8: Global perspectives on creativity (Janet Harvell)
Chapter 9: SEND, inclusion and creativity
Chapter 10: Social inclusion, creativity & global citizenship
Section Four: Creativity, Research and Pedagogy
Chapter 11: Children as Researchers: supporting children's natural curiosity through STEAM
Chapter 12: Creative Pedagogies: across all areas of learning (Nicola Watson)
Chapter 13: The Creative & Reflective Practitioner
Chapter 14: Conclusions and Next Steps

This book offers an accessible and comprehensive new introduction to the subject and practise of creativity in early years education. Taylor takes a uniquely rights-based and inclusive approach to creativity, providing students with a holistic, internationally-minded overview of creativity and its place both inside and outside the classroom. Sections focus on:

• Defining creativity and its benefits
• Different modes of creativity
• Creativity in a policy and social context
• Creative pedagogy in practice
• Creative leadership

Each chapter offers questions for critical reflection, illustrative contemporary case studies, and ample suggestions for further reading.