Doing Your Early Years Research Project: A Step by Step Guide

'The book is written with a keen sensitivity to the needs of the novice researcher in ECEC, managing to demystify the concept of research without degrading it. Reading the excellent guidance on formulating a research question brought back for me the excitement of discovering that a simple, pared down question can yield big and complex answers. Magic! Case-study material from the work of students lends transparency to the discussion and makes real the research experience' - Early Education

`This book will provide invaluable for all those embarking on research of any kind in the filed of early childhood research. The author, an experienced researcher and lecturer in this field, has produced a clear, thorough and informative book which balances theoretical background with lots of practical examples and case studies' – Foundation Stage

`This new step-by-step guide will prove valuable to anyone completing an early years project. All aspects are covered from designing your research questions to writing your conclusion' - Practical Professional Child Care

`Doing Your Early Years Research Project is an ideal resource to help you through from start to finish. It will help students doing Early Childhood Studies Degree, Teacher Education, Nursing, Social Sciences and a range or CACHE awards' - Nursery Education

'This is an excellent resource for all those undertaking research in the field of Early Childhood Education and Care. It will be particularly valuable for students on Early Childhood Studies Degree Courses! Guy Roberts-Holmes has succeeded in writing a book which, in addition to offering valuable practical advice, is rigorous, supportive and encouraging to all those undertaking research with young children and their families' - Lesley Abbott, Professor of Early Childhood Education, Centre for Multi-Professional Research in the Early Years, Manchester Metropolitan University

This step-by-step guide will talk you through your Early Years research project from start to finish. Drawing on the work of practitioners within the sector to illustrate concepts and methods, it brings the entire research process to life. The heart of the book is concerned with how practitioners and students can listen to young children. Throughout the book the children's many 'voices' are seen as central to the research.

This book is packed with research summaries, key points checklists and discussion topics, making it practical and user-friendly. It features guidance on:

-selecting a topic

-organizing and structuring your project

-the range of research methods available to you (covering case studies, surveys, action research, documentary analysis and ethnography)

-ethical issues.

The text will also show you how to:

"use a whole range of methods of investigation, including observation, interviews and questionnaires

"do a literature review

"interpret your findings

"present and write up your project

"access useful sources of information for your research.

This is essential reading for students on all courses featuring a research project in the early years, such as early childhood studies, teacher education, nursing, social sciences and a wide range of CACHE awards. It is also invaluable for early years practitioners required to carry out small-scale research projects.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Guy Roberts-Holmes worked as one of a handful of male nursery and reception teachers in inner London primary schools. Guy thoroughly enjoyed this challenging experience and was eager for more insight into the wider context of early years education, and so completed a Master’s degree at King’s College, London. Guy then worked in The Gambia, West Africa, for Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) and as a lecturer at The University of The Gambia. Whilst in The Gambia, he carried out an ethnography of a nursery and primary school, leading to a PhD at the University of Nottingham. Guy is the Programme Leader for the internationally renowned MA Early Years Education at the University College London, Institute of Education. His research interests include early years policy sociology, assessment, and the professionalisation of the early years workforce.

Guy Roberts-Holmes will be discussing his ideas in Doing Your Early Years Research Project, a SAGE Masterclass for early years students and practitioners in collaboration with Kathy Brodie. Find out more here.