Effective Early Learning discusses criteria and methodologies for evaluating and improving the quality of learning from birth to 7 years. The editors draw on the experience of practitioners involved in the Effective Early Learning Research Project, developed to support early learning wherever young children are, whether in education, care, social services, health, voluntary sector, private sector, or state sector. The book shows how to evaluate practice and create action plans for improvement. It presents a variety of case studies, including: a family centre; an LEA nursery unit; a workplace nursery; an LEA nursery class; an inner city reception class in a primary school; private day nurseries; a social services day nursery; Each example is accompanied by a set of questions which highlight important features of the research process, and suggest ways in which early years practitioners can examine and reflect on their own practice.