Empowering the Children’s and Young People's Workforce: Practice based knowledge, skills and understanding - Hardcover

‘A valuable and useful book that provides students with both practical and theoretical material. It recognises that students need to understand their own learning as well as understanding the children and young people that they work with and in doing so provides a bridge between their studies and their practice. It offers a good degree of breadth and an accessible style, which will be of benefit to students from a range of backgrounds.’―Rob Creasy, York St John University

‘This easily accessible publication will offer early years practitioners practical and essential advice and guidance in relation to their continuing professional development. It also supports the development of the early years workforce and the delivery of training for early years practitioners through the inclusion of current and established best practice.’―Jo Elsey, University of Reading

‘This is a comprehensive and accessible text for students working with children and young people and their families. The exercises are engaging and highly relevant, with clear links to learning and reflecting on practice. There is a strong sense of progression within the material and students’ understanding and learning will be greatly enhanced by the mix of theory and practice, which is insightful and never dull!’―Helen Young, University of Hull

‘This book is an essential resource for those within the children’s and young peoples’ workforce studying at level 4 and on degree courses. It provides a comprehensive overview of core issues within the sector as well as chapters dedicated to developing skills for successful study. Opportunities to extend professional knowledge and understanding further are offered through the chapter activities, suggested reading lists and hyperlinks. Presented in a clear an accessible format, Empowering the Children’s and Young Peoples’ Workforce will be a constant guide and reference for both new and experienced practitioners.’―Meg Attwood, Furness College

‘This text provides a comprehensive introduction to anyone who is training to work with - or who is already engaged in work with - children and young people. Clearly written, including examples from practice, this is a fantastic resource and a valuable addition to literature in this field.’―Jane Westergaard, Canterbury Christ Church University

‘This book is a welcome addition to the growing body of work covering the children and young people’s sector. Coming from a workforce perspective, it promotes consideration of how knowledge can be applied in practice through the novel exploration of a diverse range of unusual topics that supplement other texts that are readily available. Neatly sectioned into topical themes, the concise content of each chapter lends itself to programmes offering modular delivery or for readers who prefer a ‘pick and mix’ approach to reading around their chosen interests.’―Alison Tonkin, Stanmore College

'This is a refreshingly clear and accessible text laid out in a reader-friendly format, which is ideal for both new and experienced practitioners.'―Martine Horvath, Eye Magazine

While the provision in Children’s and Young People’s Services endures much change and turbulence, the calling for well qualified and critically reflective practitioners remains ever present. This innovative and accessible core textbook explores the key themes, ideas, concepts and topics that are central to practitioners working across the 0-19 sector. It aims to help students develop the professional knowledge, practical skills and core values they need to work effectively with children and young people.

Clearly divided into four sections; the practitioner, the learner, the workplace and the community, the book covers a broad range of issues including:

• The different roles and responsibilities of the workforce
• Multi-agency working and its challenges
• Working with parents, carers and the community
• Supporting children with additional needs and meeting the needs of gifted learners
• Work-based reflective practice
• Language learning and communication

At each stage the book facilitates opportunities for personal and professional reflection, discussion, debate and action through case studies, activities, reflective tasks, areas for further consideration, and annotated further readings. The text also features a glossary of terms and links to practice standards.

The book is supported by a free companion website featuring instructor resources such as assignable case studies, reflective tasks and activities, tables and figures from the book available to download, and sample chapters from the book; and student resources including helpful links to further information, links to relevant video material, and an interactive flashcard glossary.

Empowering the Children’s and Young People’s Workforce seeks to empower the reader by supporting their initial and continuing professional development, enabling them to positively influence provision for children and young people. It is essential reading for anyone studying or working in this sector.