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 legislation and policy in relation to early childhood education and care.
Appreciation of International and European policies and statements on early childhood education and care.
National policies relating to childhood, including educational policies.
Regulatory bodies and statutory documents and how these shape practice.
The impact of policy designed for babies and young children.

Learning outcomes

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

• Critically examine significant legislation, policy and provision for children (0-8 yrs), families and communities at global, national and local level.
• Consider the challenges faced by practitioners in translating early childhood education and care policy text into practice.
• Evaluate a policy designed to meet and promote children's health, well-being, protection and safety and the conditions that enable them to flourish.
• Discuss the role of interdisciplinary teams in enacting early childhood policy across a range of local authority services.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Subject specific skills

Critically explore, examine and evaluate significant aspects of legislation and policy provision for babies, young
children, families and communities.
Critically evaluate different legislation and policies about early childhood to arrive at supported conclusions.
Have a well developed ability to reflect upon a range of legislation and 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 legislation, 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