In today′s climate of multi-professional working, this book examines how children from the ages of 3 to 11 are educated, in the educational and social context of the Every Child Matters (ECM) agenda.

There are chapters dedicated to the five outcomes of Every Child Matters (which are: being healthy; staying safe; enjoying and achieving; making a positive contribution; achieving economic wellbeing), as well as comprehensive guidance on how to ensure the ECM standards are met. However, this book also looks at the broader scope of how children learn in early years settings and primary schools, and is written at a level that enables the reader to develop their own knowledge and understanding.

Issues discussed include:

- social justice;

- diversity and inclusion;

- the child in society;

- working with families.

Case studies are provided in each chapter, along with activities, suggestions for further reading and useful websites.

Suitable for Childhood Studies and Education Studies courses, and for teaching assistants studying for a Foundation Degree or Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status, the content is equally relevant for teacher-training courses and practising teachers.

Gianna Knowles is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Chichester.

"My childcare students dipped in and out of this book. the students raised interesting points and ideas from it." - drupal

"This is a well written and thoughtful text which helps to stimulate criticality within the readers/ students at the beginning of the course. It is directly linked to required SENCO learning outcomes around the principles of ECM, and supports to foster a critical engagement with the issues." - drupal

"A good helpful addition." - drupal

"Although level 2 learners will find this book useful I feel it is more suited to the needs of my level 3 cohort. It will be extremely useful to them when researching and being asked to give critical feedback." - drupal

"Every Child Matters ECM - has influenced how we work with children in the education setting, this book will provide the guidance needed on how to ensure the ECM outcomes are being achieved for families and for children. The book also shows how the young child learns in the early years setting and will help the reader develop their own knowledge and understanding of the topic." - drupal

"This book has been highly recommended for those completing the SCPHN/hv and SCPHN/sn course to give them a grounding in policy context relating to children." - drupal

"Supports all courses delivered within the Early Years and Health and social care department. As the Every Child Matters agenda is embedded within all aspects of Awarding Organisation delivery. An resources that enables learners to understand the importance and implementation of the agenda." - drupal

"An interesting book that allows for reflection on key areas of ECM. These themes still need to have a clear focus for students today." - drupal

"This book will give students a good overview of the many issues children have to negotiate in life. It asks the reader pertinent questions to initiate some critical thinking of practice." - drupal

"All lecturers agreed that this book would deepen students′ understanding of key issues relation to Education and Initial teacher training. It has been recommened in the module handbook for 2011" - drupal

"My students used this book a lot for their assignments and will be on the essentials list this year they used it when discussing the ECM policy and it is easy reading at level four." - drupal

"This will be essential reading for one module on an FdA programme entitled Every Child matters. It provides detailed knowledge split appropriately. it is easy to manage academically. it will be useful on several other modules on other courses as well." - drupal

"I recommend this book for all those involved in the teaching of or duty to adhere to Every Child Matters. Each ECM element is broken down and explained with practical tasks and ideas which the reader can relate to their practice." - drupal