Early Childhood Education: History, Philosophy and Experience Hardcover - 2008

From the publisher

"Every Early Childhood practitioner and policy-maker should keep a copy of this book on their shelves...a thought provoking, and highly informative celebration of the ideas of our field?s pioneers. If we are to understand ourselves and our times, and to provide lovingly meaningful experiences for today?s young children, we need to understand the web of philosophical legacies left by the pioneers and how they connect with our own."

--Professor Tricia David, Emeritus Professor, Canterbury Christ Church University and Honorary Emeritus Professor, University of Sheffield.


This book is for those who have often wondered what history can offer to modern practice. It explored important ideas behind the policies and practices in Early Childhood Education to help students and practitioners develop a fuller understanding of the children with whom they work.

The authors illustrate the rich histories of this ever developing field by bringing together ideas from the work and writings of some major historical figures who have significant shaped current practices in Early Childhood Education. Using imaginative tools to ?bring alive? the ideas of past pioneer, the authors show how our understanding of contemporary issues has been influenced by these pioneers. The book also shows how today?s practitioners themselves can become the pioneers of future development.

Written by three authors who have had experience in working with children in a wide range of settings, this book is for Early Childhood students and practitioners, including those on BA and MA courses. It is also for those undergoing training to gain Qualified Teacher Status and Early Years Professional Status and experiences staff involved in leading early years practice or self- or organizational development.


Cathy Nutbrown in Professor of Early Childhood Education at the University of Sheffield.

Peter Clough is Professor of Inclusive Education at Liverpool Hope University.

Philip Selbie is Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at the University of Plymouth.