Helps early years students and practitioners to get to grips with the key issues, through a critical and thematic approach which focuses on reflective practice.

Theories and research into the nature of reflection are examined, how they can be used, and how they can improve practice, producing a more responsive and thoughtful, research-based workforce for young children and their families.

In this third edition there is greater emphasis on issues related to inclusion and diversity, mental health and communication with parents. New pedagogic features include Team Talk designed to get all members of a work-based team to pool their expertise and knowledge, and to think critically and reflectively upon aspects that may directly affect their settings. There is also a new Evidence Informed Research Practice and Reflection feature which offers questions that emphasise the importance of up-to-date research material informing practice within a setting.

Carol Hayes was principal lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at Staffordshire University and has written and edited numerous books and articles on early years, specialising in cognitive and language development. She has engaged with several research projects and has been able to contribute, from the knowledge of almost 50 years in the early years sector, as teacher, tutor and external examiner. She was National Chair of the Sector Endorsed Foundation Degrees in Early Years Professional Association (SEFDEY), which strives to endorse quality education for practitioners engaging with degree level courses and providing a platform for those working and researching within early years.

Ruth Hudson began her career in early years working in a further education nursery, progressing to nursery management. After completing her MA Early Childhood Education at the University of Sheffield, Ruth moved into higher education at Staffordshire University, teaching in the Institute of Education on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Ruth's doctoral thesis focuses on bereaved children aged 0-8 years old and interventions to support them in education settings. She has researched at an international level on parental participation in four European countries and with the British Council on curriculum approaches in China. Her current role as Associate Dean, allows her to look ahead to the future needs of the early years and education workforce.

Jayne Daly's vocation in terms of early childhood and education began over 30 years ago. Throughout her professional career, she has worked in the public care, health and education sectors. In 2007 she recognised it was time to give something back to those that were starting out in this field and became a further and higher education teacher. She is currently a senior lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton, where she is studying for a PhD Fostering resilience in early years education and care: Policy, Politics and Practice. Her other research interests are quality early years leadership and international curriculum development.

Mandy Duncan has a deep commitment to early years and began her career in this sector as a nursery nurse, going on to teach early years practitioners for many years. I am currently Deputy Head of the School of Education at the University of Worcester. Prior to this, she worked as Senior Lecturer in Education at Staffordshire University. She has led and developed a range of early childhood and education degree programmes. She gained a PhD at the University of Gloucestershire in 2016 and her main research interests include sociological and global perspectives of childhood, child protection and early years pedagogy.