Chapter 1 - Introduction Margaret M Clark and Tim Waller Chapter 2 - England Gill McGillivray Chapter 3 - Northern Ireland Glenda Walsh Chapter 4 - The Republic of Ireland Philomena Donnelly Chapter 5 - Scotland Eileen Carmichael and Juliet Hancock Chapter 6 - Wales Sian Wyn Siencyn and Sally Thomas Chapter 7 - Early childhood Education and Care across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland Index
Margaret Clark is Emeritus Professor in the School of History Philosophy and International Relations. Before joining the staff of Victoria University she taught in Malaysian, Australian and North American universities. In conjunction with the Stout Research Centre and the Association of former Members of Parliament she has organised a series of conferences and publications on New Zealand political leaders. She maintains an interest in Southeast Asian as well as New Zealand politics. For many years she co-ordinated the Programme's first year and Honours programmes. In 2006 Professor Clark was appointed Distinguished Companion of the NZ Order of Merit, redesignated Dame Companion in 2009. In 2010 Victoria University conferred on Margaret Clark the status and title of Emeritus Professor in recognition of her career of valued and distinguished service to the University. Tim Waller is Editor of this book, and Professor of Child and Family Studies at Anglia Ruskin University. The majority of the contributors are based at the University of Northampton, and this is very much a team book.
'This unique resource will be invaluable in helping students and others trying to understand the context of current early years provision. The case studies bring the book to life and ground it in the stories of real children and their families. They highlight how the similarities and differences in support for children and their families are more dependent on where they live than what they need' - Lesley Staggs 'This book is long overdue; it provides effective cameos of developments in each country., highlighting key legislation, the underlying philosophy, the formation of policies and thier implementation in state, voluntary and private provision. There is a wealth of clearly presented information in tables, websites, and references, but the map is not sufficiently clear. The many highlighted sections in each chapter are designed to challenge the reader to consider the provision' - The International Journal of Early Childhood