Introductory description

In this module we will be exploring the relationship between what we want for children as practitioners, parents and as a nation. We will make connections between national policy and legislation and the pedagogy and policies we offer for children and families. You will be invited to reflect on your own practice and experiences, undertake some independent research and consider approaches that keep children at the centre of our vision for the future.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Consideration of function of social, health and education policy in relation to childhood.
International and European policies and statements on childhood.
National policies relating to childhood, including educational policies.
Policies in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Regulatory bodies and statutory documents and how these shape practice.
The impact of policy.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Critically explore, examine and evaluate aspects of significant policy and provision for babies and young children, families and communities
• Reflect upon a range of policies, and consider how these are developed with reference to different understandings of babies and young children, nationally and globally
• Critique selected policies in relation to early childhood
• Draw up, apply and evaluate a policy to meet and promote children's health, well-being, protection and safety and the conditions that enable them to flourish

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Subject specific skills

Critically explore, examine and evaluate all aspects of significant policy and provision for babies and young
children, families and communities
Critically evaluate different policies about early childhood to arrive at supported conclusions
Have a well developed ability to reflect upon a range of policies, and consider how these are developed with reference to different understandings of babies and young children, nationally and globally
Critically explore, examine how different policies, institutions and agencies impact on provision for babies and young children
Be able to synthesis and critique multiple policies in relation to early childhood and systematically analyse the relationships between them

Transferable skills

Written communication skills
Oral communication skills
Working with others
Problem solving
Information technology
Numeracy