16/06/04 - Cumbria's experts launch book for working with 3-5 year olds

At 4.30pm on Monday 21st June at St Martin's College in Ambleside, Cumbria Sure Start and St Martin’s College launch a new book entitled 'Exploring time & place through play'. The book has been written by Dr Hilary Cooper from the College and Foundation Stage Advisory Teachers from Cumbria Sure Start.    

The book provides valuable information to teachers and other professionals throughout the country working, or studying to work, with children aged 3 - 5. It contains 6 case studies of schools in Cumbria. These case studies explore ways of developing ideas of time and place with Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 children, through play, which also extend their communication and personal and social skills.    

Cumbria Sure Start Foundation Stage Advisory Teachers, LEA Advisory Teachers and St. Martin’s College Tutors carried out the case studies.   

Jan Ashbridge, an Advisory teacher for Cumbria Sure Start and co-writer says 

"The book will be an invaluable tool for those working with young children aged 3 to 5, which is the Foundation Stage of education. We also expect that those studying this area of education will find it a very useful tool in developing their understanding. I would like to thank all the schools involved in the study for their input - their contribution cannot be under-estimated."   

Dr Hilary Cooper says   

"It is exciting to work collaboratively with colleagues in college and schools and with children, putting theories into practice and developing new ideas.  This values teachers' experience, and empowers us all to develop our professional skills.  Above all we enjoyed it!"