This book explores the reflections and experiences of mothers of children aged 0-3 years that have attended universal parenting courses.Simmons considers the factors that motivated mothers to attend a universal parenting course and explore the wider experiences of early modern motherhood in the UK. She investigates participants' perceptions of benefits of attending a parenting course, different forms of parenting advice accessed by mothers, and how this provides an insight into the...

First published in 1987. The central concept of the book is that of 'democratic' evaluation, one of the most influential ideas in the development of education practice in this country since professional evaluation emerged in the 1960s. The question explored, through an examination of the theory and practice of democratic evaluation, is whether it is possible to both posit and practice an approach to evaluation that provides an effective curb on the derivatisation and centralisation of info...

Case Study Research in Practice explores the theory and practice of case study research. Helen Simons draws on her extensive experience of teaching and conducting case study to provide a comprehensive and practical account of how to design, conduct and communicate case study research. It addresses questions often raised by students and common misconceptions about case research. In four sections the book covers- Rationale, concept and design of case study research- Methods, ...

What is the role of early childhood practice in understanding the needs of parents and carers today?This book:*Considers the perspectives of those parents/carers marginalised by current practice*Provokes thinking about how settings can become more inclusive in their practice*Supports students to challenge their own assumptions about parentsEach chapter considers a group of families that may be marginalised in practice. The book suggests respectful, co-pr...

This informative and accessible text invites readers to engage with the latest developments and debates in the field of infant and family mental health and wellbeing from a multi-disciplinary perspective.Bringing together a rich collection of knowledge and experience, unique insights are provided into aspects of family life, from attachment, attunement and bonding to therapeutic interventions and compassion. Each chapter shines a light on the importance of respectful early interven...

Written from an interpretive and constructionist perspective, this insightful book explores how to conduct case study research focusing on the lived experience of those in the case. Helen Simons shines a spotlight on the use of art forms and story in case study research alongside other qualitative methods that advance intuitive understanding and inclusion. Underpinning this focus are epistemic justice and democratic ethics. In a lively, personal style, Simons distills expe...

Valancy Stirling, plain, twenty nine, and as yet unsought, is given a year to live by a great heart specialist. This is the story of her year in which she finds a blue castle of happiness in the Canadian woods. The Blue Castle is a 1926 novel by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, best known for her novel Anne of Green Gables.

Ethics has traditionally been seen as a set of general principles which can be applied in a range of situations. This book argues that in fact ethical principles must be shaped within different research practices and hence take on different significances according to varying research situations. The book develops the notion of situated ethics and explores how ethical issues are practically handled by educational researchers in the field. Contributors present theoretical models and practica...

This unique book provides an international comparison of labour markets, migrant professionals and immigration policies, and their interaction in relation to social work.Case studies based on the latest research from the UK, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand and Australia allow readers to make critical comparisons and gain understanding of the global nature of the social work profession. Detailed analysis covers the opportunities and challenges presented by labour market mobility, the i...

This brand new textbook brings you up to date with all the latest developments and keys issues from around the globe, and helps you understand how these changes are impacting on practice in early years and primary classrooms.Key issues in contemporary childhood are explored through three sections on The Child, The Family, and Emerging Trends, with topics including:the ‘Digital Child’ and the rise of new technologieschildren’s security and the impact of pover...

The Oxford Handbook of Career Development provides a comprehensive overview of the career development field. It features contributions from 42 leading scholars, addressing the context, theory, and practice of career development in the contemporary world. The volume defines career development as an inclusive term that relates to all individuals regardless of class, gender, sexuality, ability, geography, or ethnicity. It contains cutting edge research, theory, and thinking which app...

How do views about children shape research concerned with their lives? What different forms can research with children take? What ethical issues does it involve? How does it impact on policy and practice, and on the lives of children themselves?This book helps you to understand how research is designed and carried out to explore questions about the lives of children and young people. It tackles the methodological, practical and ethical challenges involved, and features examples of ...