A reflective guide for all those studying for the range of professional disciplines within the area of children and families.

Written by a multi-disciplinary team, this book provides students and practitioners with opportunities to reflect upon work-based placement challenges and solutions within a variety of settings, supporting employability and the development of a professional identity. Practical and practice-based, it addresses issues of self-confidence, voice and agency, resilience and self-care, relationships and partnerships, risk assessments and reflective practice, all within the context of children and families. Chapters take a supportive and reflective approach, including clear objectives, case studies, critical questions and spotlights on new debates, helping to build essential skills and promoting a clear sense of self as individuals transition from student to professional.

About the Author

Hazel Richards is a senior lecturer on the Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion Studies course at the University of Wolverhampton. Prior to this she lectured at the University of Worcester on the Education Studies course and in the Department of Children and Families. She is an HCPC registered speech and language therapist, has a Masters in special and inclusive education, and a doctorate which investigated SENCo identity and influences on practice.

Michelle Malomo is a senior lecturer and partnership co-ordinator for the FdA Early Years at the University of Worcester. Having started work as a nanny and then a nursery manager, working closely with practitioners who wanted to train on the job. She has experience as a youth worker, working with children and young people and their families, and is passionate about the value of play and its therapeutic and healing values for all.

Reviews

It is always heartening to see how something positive can come out of a negative situation. Malaguzzi's motivation to develop the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education and care was in response to the devastation of the Second World War and the impact adults' actions had on children. Therefore, Malaguzzi's philosophy emerged from a time of adversity. So what has this got to do with the newly published book: Developing your professional identity? The connection here is that the authors have written a book that acknowledges the disproportionate impact that the restrictions put in place to limit the spread of coronavirus have had on practitioners who work with children and their families. And they have seized the opportunity that has come out of adversity to produce an exceptionally useful book....

-- Jackie Musgrave * University of Worcester *

... This is an excellent book overall. It is well-written and uses a clear, accessible style of writing which is beneficial to the reader. The book is a significant contribution to the field.

-- Professor Jonathan Glazzard * Edge Hill University *



Book Information
ISBN 9781914171536
Author Hazel Richards
Format Paperback
Page Count 176
Imprint Critical Publishing Ltd
Publisher Critical Publishing Ltd
Weight(grams) 353g
Dimensions(mm) 246mm * 174mm * 10mm