ABSTRACT
As practitioners of the future, students undertaking an undergraduate course of study related to childhood and early years need to be prepared for working collaboratively with parents. By 'parents' it means 'any adult who has parental rights and caring responsibility for children'. This chapter discusses a set of approaches and ideas that inform the way practitioners work with parents, carers and families to support children attending early years settings. It introduces a conceptual framework, or system of assumptions, beliefs and theories, that informs early years practice in this area. The chapter explores what influences parenting, how early years legislation has influenced the understanding of parenting, and any ideal parenting style that works for all. Working with parents is a continuous theme that runs through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), particularly with regard to learning and development.
