Julian Grenier is the headteacher of Sheringham Nursery School and Children’s Centre in East London, UK, and is a National Leader of Education. Sue Finch has worked in the early years sector for over 40 years and is a highly experienced education consultant. Sue has worked on a wide range of national projects in the early years, including the Pen Green Teaching Centres Project. Caroline Vollans worked as a primary school teacher for 15 years before completing clinical training in Lacanian psychoanalysis. She now works as a student counsellor, as well as providing staff supervision in nursery settings.
Within these pages you will find rich stories of children's development, play and learning that offer profound glimpses and insights. Practitioners in these nursery schools offer expertise in assessment that truly starts with the child and puts learning first. The rest of our education system would do well to remember this premise and to act upon it. Professor Dame Alison Peacock, Chief Executive, Chartered College of Teaching