Independent learning and child-initiated activities are at the heart of early learning. With these principles in mind, practitioners are working hard to support independence and a 'can do' attitude and this book aims to support that work. The wealth of ideas will help you to develop an environment where independent learning is celebrated and where children take responsibility for planning and organising their own activities. Hundreds of ways you can support independent learning are outlined, including an ICT strand running throughout to ensure an up-to-date approach to the range of experiences you are offering. Case studies in each chapter highlight how to implement good practice in your setting.

The Cleverness of Boys

by Sally Featherstone and Ros Bayley

Published 15 February 2010
The differences between boys and girls, in development and attitude to learning are well documented, and a formalised early curriculum emphasises these differences. The abilities of most girls to meet goals for learning at an earlier age may result in a tendency to focus on trying to teach boys to learn like girls, instead of recognising their unique gifts and abilities. If we are to help boys to become strong, competent learners from an early age, we must resist the temptation to feel sorry for them. We must dispel the myths about 'under-achievement', challenge stereotypical views of gender, and recognise the unique strengths and abilities of young boys.

Role Play is an important part of every child's entitlement. This lively book will guide you in planning, stimulating and organising role play inside and out. Part 1 discussed why role play is important. Part 2 presents activities suitable for a range of role play situations. There are ideas for materials, equipment and locations, including advice on making the most of limited resources. Unlock your imagination and help your children to bring out what's inside.

v. 1

First Hand

by Sally Featherstone and Alison McInnes

Published 1 July 1998
First Hand takes an in-depth look at planning and managing the Foundation Stage. There is discussion of the principles which should underpin planning, a detailed sections on content, experiences and resources, advice on managing the provision and on including adults in the community and guidance on ensuring quality preparatory to inspection.


For a child, moving from the Early Years Foundation Stage into Key Stage 1 can be a huge change. It is up to the adults involved to make the process of transition as smooth and continuous as possible. This straightforward guide contains advice for teachers, teaching assistants, practitioners, parents and managers on supporting children though and after the move. It includes a special section on how we can use new knowledge about how children learn to help them build on their previous experiences of learning and what we can do to help them cope with the emotional factors involved in the change.

We Can Do It!

by Sally Featherstone and Ros Bayley

Published 1 November 2003
We Can Do It! complements Foundations for Independence by unpicking some of the practical work suggested and presenting it in easy to follow sequences. It addresses eight aspects of learning, so that you can ensure independent learning is at the heart of your setting. Activities are throughly explained and case studies for each aspect are included. The emphasis is on practical help and good use is made of examples.

Everyone agrees that an understanding of phonics is essential to cracking the code for reading. This work discusses early language development. It focuses on the phonics debate; and provides activities to support multi-sensory learning environments for the teaching of phonological development in the Foundation Stage and early Key Stage 1.

Again, Again!

by Stella Louis, Clare Beswick, and Sally Featherstone

Published 4 September 2008
What are schemas and why do they matter? Again! Again! provides an introduction to understanding and supporting schemas and schema play in young children. Practitioners will find an overview of schemas with guidance on where they fit within the EYFS. There are examples of schemas, with illustrations and descriptions of common behaviour patterns, and these are set within the general context of child development. The intention is to help early years practitioners identify schemas and to understand both how important they are and the vital role they play in the growing child's learning. The aim is to help the reader understand how they can develop, plan and resource activities which support children's learning through experiment and play.


Foundations for Independence was first published in 2001 and has become established as a key text by those who work with young children. This new edition has been fully revised and updated to include the latest thinking on the early years.

Inside Out

by Anne Cummings and Sally Featherstone

Published 1 April 2004
Role Play is an important part of every child's entitlement. This lively book will guide you in planning, stimulating and organising role play inside and out. Part 1 discussed why role play is important. Part 2 presents activities suitable for a range of role play situations. There are ideas for materials, equipment and locations, including advice on making the most of limited resources. Unlock your imagination and help your children to bring out what's inside!