Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims to empower practitioners to recognise current skills and professional potential, to identify a unique organisational pedagogy, to implement intervention with cultural sensitivity, and to complement the strengths of their colleagues within integrated teams. It focuses upon the changing role, relationships, and responsibilities of the workforce within the early years. The book describes the change in role of the traditional nursery nurse from the 1800s to current day. It explains the importance of a secure attachment relationship between the keyworker and child in a context of current research in neuroscience, theory, and the link to practice. The book focuses upon the use of relationship-based practice and accesses theory to promote comprehension of child protection. The book describes a weakness in the links between research and practice in the workplace.