Literacy is fundamental if a child is to succeed in life and make a positive contribution. Research shows that the earliest years lay the crucial foundations for literacy development and the experiences offered to young children will have a major impact on their future academic attainment. This book examines literacy alongside theories of child development and provides detailed and practical guidance on how practitioners can nurture children's emerging communication and language skills throughout the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Drawing on the real life experiences of settings as they implement the EYFS, the book provides comprehensive guidance on embedding literacy in all aspects of learning and development and covers:

• The three prime areas of learning and how these can support early literacy
• The expectations of the EYFS and how practitioner can design activities that will enable children to meet the early learning goals
• Creating a learning environment that places literacy at the heart of the setting
• Assessment and planning for children's next steps
• Working with parents to develop the home literacy environment

Full of practical examples and activities and with a strong emphasis on working in partnership with parents throughout, this will be an essential text for all practitioners and students working with the Early Years Foundation Stage.