Wellbeing from Birth

What do we mean by wellbeing, and what does it look like as it takes shape in early childhood? What can we do to support the wellbeing of children at home and in settings?

This book provides some answers to these complex questions, in a straightforward, accessible way. PART 1: INTRODUCING WELLBEING describes the 'backdrop' for a new model of wellbeing, outlining research and policy background, and underpinning early childhood themes. PART 2: THE THEORY OF WELLBEING defines wellbeing itself, describing the new model and the mechanism of wellbeing development called companionable learning. PART 3: EVERYDAY WELLBEING contains ideas and examples from homes and settings of 'real-life' wellbeing. Chapter 6: 'All to play for' is rich with ideas and examples of "profoundly satisfying" wellbeing play. PART 4: INVESTING IN WELLBEING is about professional development. It covers observation, assessment and planning; the key person approach; 'when things go wrong'; and integrating services across settings and communities. The book ends with the importance of collective wellbeing, arguing that all young children need experiences of individual and collective wellbeing, in their families and their communities.

Essential reading for anyone studying early childhood, and for managers and practitioners working with young children and their families, this book is an inspirational guide to developing a framework for wellbeing from birth.

“'This inspirational book is a refreshing read and an essential source of knowledge and understanding for managers, early years practitioners, students, and anyone living and working with young children and their families. I have no doubt it will make a positive contribution to the ongoing debates about the future wellbeing of our children and society as a whole' - Children and Young People Now '[This book] is thoroughly recommended for everyone working with, or training to work with, young children and their families. It is a book that will be read and dipped in to again and again as practitioners draw on the author's wealth of practical experience and theoretical understanding' - Early Years Update '[This book] is widely regarded as essential reading for anyone studying early childhood, and is an inspirational guide to developing a framework for wellbeing from birth...A thoughtful and thought provoking book' - Special Educational Needs Magazine 'This important book is immaculate in form and fascinating and convincing in content. Setting out to increase the knowledge of all adults who have anything to do with young children, it is a thoroughly comprehensive and detailed account of the theory and practice of 'wellbeing', encompassing children from birth; their parents, particularly mothers; and professionals who work with children and parents. Constantly emphasising the need for positive thinking, the author is genuinely sympathetic to the position of early years workers, and offers a wide range of help with wonderful examples from real life in homes and in settings. The book might become a 'do-it-yourself' wellbeing kit for each centre of early childhood' - Chris Athey, author of 'Extending Thought in Young Children: a Parent-Teacher Partnership' 'highly recommended reading for all candidates on the Early Years Professional Status courses. An invaluable book for a new approach to understanding children in the early years' - Lalitha Sivalingam, Kingston University”

′This inspirational book is a refreshing read and an essential source of knowledge and understanding for managers, early years practitioners, students, and anyone living and working with young children and their families. I have no doubt it will make a positive contribution to the ongoing debates about the future wellbeing of our children and society as a whole′ -
Children and Young People Now

′[This book] is thoroughly recommended for everyone working with, or training to work with, young children and their families. It is a book that will be read and dipped in to again and again as practitioners draw on the author′s wealth of practical experience and theoretical understanding′
- Early Years Update

′[This book] is widely regarded as essential reading for anyone studying early childhood, and is an inspirational guide to developing a framework for wellbeing from birth...A thoughtful and thought provoking book′ -
Special Educational Needs Magazine

′This important book is immaculate in form and fascinating and convincing in content. Setting out to increase the knowledge of all adults who have anything to do with young children, it is a thoroughly comprehensive and detailed account of the theory and practice of ′wellbeing′, encompassing children from birth; their parents, particularly mothers; and professionals who work with children and parents. Constantly emphasising the need for positive thinking, the author is genuinely sympathetic to the position of early years workers, and offers a wide range of help with wonderful examples from real life in homes and in settings. The book might become a ′do-it-yourself′ wellbeing kit for each centre of early childhood′ -
Chris Athey, author of ′Extending Thought in Young Children: a Parent-Teacher Partnership′

′highly recommended reading for all candidates on the Early Years Professional Status courses. An invaluable book for a new approach to understanding children in the early years′ - Lalitha Sivalingam, Kingston University

Rosemary Roberts is a freelance author and early years consultant.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.