"Whether you are an early years student or a professional working in the field, this book will help you to understand and implement the wealth of early years legislation passed over the last few years. It includes: - information on all the main areas of early years policy - consideration of the impact changes have had on practice - guidance on the ways in which policy developments can be evaluated - a handy timeline of early years legislation - a glossary of key terms. There are case studies and exercises illustrating the links between policy and practice throughout the book and each chapter offers guidance on official documents and points you in the direction of relevant Websites."--Publisher.