Enabling Environments in the Early Years is a highly practical guide to creating positive learning environments across a range of early years settings. It contains advice on:

• Making the most of what you've got, in terms of space, resources and budget
• Providing an environment which involves children and encourages child-initiated learning
• Creating an environment that is flexible, sustainable, challenging, safe and versatile
• Involving staff, children with varying needs and parents in developing the environment
• Producing risk assessment, polices and procedures.

About the author

Author Liz Hodgman's Children's Centre was used as a case study in a Department for Children, Schools and Families publication. Liz is a children's centre manager and writes for the Bromley Childminding Association website. She has produced a number of the BCMA's publications, along with writing workshops and training manuals on childcare. Liz holds a National Professional Qualification in Integrated Centre Leadership, a Foundation Degree in Education and Training and a Certificate in Early Years Practice.

Reviews

“I found the book really helpful …  the pictures were really colorful and bright. I like the fact they talk about all early years i.e nurseries, childminders … the tables were really helpful; the checklists give you ideas for your own setting ... The book is written directly aimed at Early Years workers so it is simple to-the-point writing, which is fantastic.” Bev Allman, Childminder

"The auditing of your setting section has helped me look at my provision in a different way. I've always struggled with policy writing but have found some good pointers. The points of reference to the EYFS have helped with my ongoing personal development. Most of the books I've used tend to have been too complex. The author Liz Hodgman has done a fantastic job of writing a book that is informative in many ways, helpful and fun too." Ann Hardcastle, Childminder

“Enabling Environments has been written to appeal to all types of early years provision, from schools, to playgroups, to childminders. There are examples for working in different sizes of environment including advice on making the most of small spaces and managing shared use areas, where equipment needs to be packed away … The book is very readable, with many examples from differing settings to be inspired by. There is a good balance of word to illustration and some great sample templates for audit forms, risk assessments and policies … This is a lovely book that would be an asset to any setting that is looking at ways of making the best use of their environment, regardless of whether this is a big change or simply making the best of what they already have.” Yvonne Wright, Registered Childminder