'This book is a gem! It sets out in a very straightforward and comprehensible way the vast framework of policy which shapes the nature of early years services in the UK today….This book should be on the reading list of all early years practitioners, multi-agency professionals and students as a timely reminder of the context in which they work' - Early Years Update

'This is a fabulous resource, with helpful and practical hints, tips and downloadable electronic resources….A truly invaluable resource for leaders and managers in any early years setting, or for those who are responsible for training members of the children's workforce' - Early Years Educator

'This is an excellent and accessible text which is useful to both practitioners and students. It clearly outlines developments in early years policy in recent years, placing it in its political and social context. The inclusion of policy developments in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales in this latest edition gives a new and broader perspective of policy in the United Kingdom than previously available in a single text. Students studying the topic at degree level will find the framework for analyzing the impact of policy particularly enlightening' - Sue O'Neill, Award Director FdA Management of Childcare Provision, Liverpool Hope University

'I predict that this book will quickly find a place on the book lists of colleges and universities around the country' - ESCalate

'This book is excellent. It is very easy to read and it starts with the basics, before allowing the reader to be more reflective' - Michelle Smith, BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies and Early Years PGCE

Covering the latest developments in early years policy, this book explores the processes of how policy is made, implemented, analysed and developed over time. It provides a complete overview of early years policy and evaluates its impact on practice, and it facilitates discussion and critical thinking around policy issues and policy development with the inclusion throughout the book of case studies, points for reflection and activities. There is suggested further reading and a short summary at the end of each chapter, and useful websites are cited. This second edition of a respected book has been substantially revised to include:

- a new chapter on policy across England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland

- discussion of the new Early Years Foundation Stage

- recent developments in Special Educational Needs

- a revised and updated timeline of early years legislation

- new case studies, covering the Birth to Eight age range

- a revised and updated Glossary

Suitable for all early years students at all levels, and early years practitioners at any stage of their career, this book is a must-have for navigating the minefield of early years legislation.