Policy issues in the early years / edited by Linda Miller and Denise Hevey.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Providing a unique and critical insight into some of the most significant issues affecting Early Years Policy, this text has chapters from leading authorities and researchers in the field and draws on current research, addresses key debates and considers international perspectives.

Poverty, social disadvantage and young children -- Closing the gap : policy into action -- Promoting infant mental health: a public health priority and approach -- Enhancing the potential in children (EPIC) -- Parenting policy and skills strategies -- Making democracy a fundamental value: meaning what exactly? -- The marketisation of early years education and childcare in England -- Supporting early years practitioners' professional development as a vehicle for democratisation -- The rhetoric and reality of a national strategy for early education and assessment -- Incorporating safeguarding and well-being in universal services : developments in early years multi-agency practice in Scotland -- Reconceptualising policy making in the early years.