1st Edition

Early Years Essentials Linking Theory to Provision in the Early Years

By Jayne Carter, Poppy Gibson Copyright 2026
242 Pages 6 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

242 Pages 6 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

Early Years Essentials offers a wealth of evidence-based strategies and ideas to enhance the learning and development of young children. Linked to the EYFS framework and drawing on a wide range of case studies from across the sector, it shows what excellent provision looks like in practice alongside summaries of key research.

Each chapter includes a ‘pondering question’ which offers the reader the opportunity to reflect on their own knowledge, as well as providing a framework to consider how to enhance their own teaching skills. Covering all aspects of early years practice, the chapters include:

  • The indoor and outdoor learning environment
  • Observation, planning, and assessment
  • Working with parents and carers
  • The prime and specific areas of learning
  • Adult-child interactions
  • The characteristics of effective learning
  • Inclusion and diversity
  • Child and practitioner wellbeing

Including reflective questions and key takeaways in every chapter, this essential text will support student and practitioner knowledge and understanding of how the EYFS principles can be effectively embedded into best practice.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Jayne Carter and Poppy Gibson

Chapter 2: Learning environment: indoors

Jayne Carter

Chapter 3: Learning environment: outdoors

Jayne Carter

Chapter 4: Effective partnership with parents

Poppy Gibson

Chapter 5: Prime area: physical development

Poppy Gibson

Chapter 6: Prime area: Personal, social, emotional development

Poppy Gibson

Chapter 7: Prime area: Communication and language development

Jayne Carter

Chapter 8: Specific area: literacy

Jayne Carter

Chapter 9: Specific area: mathematics

Jayne Carter

Chapter 10: Specific area: understanding the world

Poppy Gibson

Chapter 11: Specific area: expressive arts and design

Poppy Gibson

Chapter 12: Observation-assessment and planning cycle

Jayne Carter

Chapter 13: Quality adult-child interaction

Jayne Carter

Chapter 14: The characteristics of effective learning

Poppy Gibson

Chapter 15: The importance of implementing EYFS principles as a whole school

Jayne Carter

Chapter 16: Protective characteristics in the early years

Poppy Gibson

Chapter 17: Wellbeing

Poppy Gibson

Biography

Jayne Carter is Director of Ignite Education Ltd, providing consultancy for practitioners within the early years and primary sector. She uses coaching as a model for change, facilitating professional conversations which are focused on empowering others and generating growth in knowledge and skills. She is also the Programme Development Lead at Partnership for Children.

Poppy Gibson is a lecturer in education at the Open University. After nearly two decades working in education, Poppy’s research now focuses on wellbeing and mental health in childhood.