Policy Press

A new deal for children?

Re-forming education and care in England, Scotland and Sweden

By Bronwen Cohen, Peter Moss, Pat Petrie and Jennifer Wallace

Published

Jun 2, 2004

Page count

256 pages

ISBN

978-1861345288

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press
A new deal for children?

Important reforms are taking place in children's services in the UK, with a move towards greater integration. In England, Scotland and Sweden, early childhood education and care, childcare for older children, and schools are now the responsibility of education departments. This book is the first to examine, cross-nationally, this major shift in policy.

With case studies and practical examples to illustrate how changes have been implemented, this book is essential reading for practitioners, managers, politicians, trainers and researchers in children's services, including schools, early years, school-age childcare, leisure and recreation, child welfare and health.

"... a thought provoking, informed and instructive account, and an important point of reference for those who wish an analytic grip of many of the new concepts of governance around child care. Well worth reading whether you are an academic, policy maker, practitioner, student or anyone else interested in child care policies." Journal of Social Policy

"... its call for greater reflection about the objectives and outcomes of reform is pertinent and timely." Children Now

"... offers informed opinion and, particularly useful for students, gives comparative case studies... indispensable." Zero2Nineteen

"... this is a book that calls us to stop and think. If you are interested in this area, read it for yourself and make up your own mind." Research in Practice

"... an excellent text for students, the comparative element is added value." Jane Aldgate, School of Health and Social Welfare, The Open University

"This is a fascinating study - an essential read for anyone seriously interested in reforming early years education." David Hawker, Department of Children, Families and Schools, Brighton and Hove City Council

Bronwen Cohen is Chief Executive of Children in Scotland, Edinburgh, and a Visiting Professor at the Thomas Coram Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London.

Peter Moss is Professor of Early Childhood Provision, Thomas Coram Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London.

Pat Petrie is Professor of Education, Thomas Coram Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London.

Jennifer Wallace is Research Officer at Children in Scotland, Edinburgh.

Part One: International comparisons of social and educational reforms: background and contexts; Introduction; Contexts; Part Two: Bringing childcare services into education: England; Scotland; Sweden; Part Three: A comparative overview and future directions: Cross-national comparisons; Endnotes.