The importance of early childhood education and care in providing the foundations for lifelong learning is now widely acknowledged. Early Years: An International Journal of Research and Development aims to broaden the international debate about the best provision for young children by representing a wide range of perspectives from different countries, different disciplines and different research methodologies.

As the official journal of TACTYC (Training, Advancement and Co-operation in Teaching Young Children), Early Years publishes up-to-date papers on all issues associated with early years education.

There is a growing diversity of approaches to training early years practitioners for complex and demanding work within multi professional teams and with families from diverse social and cultural backgrounds. The editors welcome original, rigorous and clearly written contributions, in English, which:

• relate to the training, education and continuing professional development of all early years practitioners including managers, support staff, qualified teachers and higher education academics teaching on early childhood courses and specialisms
• compare the experiences, development needs and responsibilities of children, parents and practitioners in different kinds of setting and contexts
• report on research projects
• review work across an area of research
• present a detailed analysis of the experiences of individuals or small groups
• explore new approaches to the publication of knowledge about working with children

Since 1978 TACTYC has sought, through its Journal and related activites, to provide a voice for all educators who work with young children. As a professional association with its own membership, TACTYC lobbies for the raising of standards in early years provision and promotes discussion of all issues associated with the training and development of early years practitioners.

Membership of TACTYC includes a subscription to Early Years. For further information on how to join TACTYC, please visit www.tactyc.org.uk

Peer Review Policy:
All research articles in this journal have undergone rigorous peer review, based on initial editor screening and anonymized refereeing by at least two anonymous referees.

Disclaimer for Scientific, Technical and Social Science publications:
Taylor & Francis and TACTYC make every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in its publications. However, Taylor & Francis and TACTYC  and its agents and licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness or suitability for any purpose of the Content and disclaim all such representations and warranties whether express or implied to the maximum extent permitted by law. Any views expressed in this publication are the views of the authors and are not the views of Taylor & Francis and TACTYC .