New publications

Based on research from a range of early years settings, the authors consider how to enhance the quality of young children's learning and how to support early years practitioners. The cognitive, social, physical and emotional learning needs of young children are explored, and advice on how to meet these needs presented. In particular, the book focuses on strategies for developing language and literacy learning and mathematical thinking. Written for practitioners, students, managers and administrators, the book seeks to both inform and prepare readers for the changes occurring within preschool provision in England. (Adapted from distributor's description.)

For this report, child care staff from long-day care centres across Australia were surveyed for their thoughts on the quality of care provided at their respective centres. Staff tended to link corporate chain centres with poorer quality care compared to community-based centres. The report focuses on the experiences of respondents from ABC Learning centres, many of whom undertook a follow-up telephone interview. The report shows that, compared with their counterparts in community-based centres, ABC Learning staff were more likely to feel they had insufficient time to develop individual relationships with children, that centres lacked a good variety of play equipment, and that the food provided was not always high in quality or quantity. Staff at some ABC Learning centres also held concerns about the quality of centre cleaning, and about how they are treated as employees. While noting the small sample size surveyed, the researchers suggest that as the corporate industry provides around 25 per cent of places, further investigation and stronger regulation of day care centres is warranted. (Adapted from report summary.)