Local Literacies in Early Childhood: Inequalities in Place, Policy and Pedagogy

This book explores the impact of policy discourse and austerity measures on community resources designed to support children's early literacy learning. It sheds light on inequalities and contradictions in different forms of community literacy provision, focusing on mothers and how parents are supported differently depending on where they go and how they are viewed by professionals. It contributes to the literature around literacy in early childhood and offers a new way of thinking about early intervention, parental engagement, and school readiness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book makes a significant contribution to ongoing discussions about the significance of early literacy and the diverse range of literacy resources available to parents with young children. Through an ethnographic study conducted in a small town in the East Midlands, UK, the book sheds light on the impact of policy discourse and austerity measures on community resources designed to support children's early literacy learning.

The book reveals how government policy is enacted in four local resources: Sure Start children's centers, pre-schools, a public library, and privately run parent and child early education classes. It uncovers how inequalities and contradictions exist in different forms of community literacy provision, which can explain some of the educational differences evident when children start school. With a particular focus on mothers, the book reveals how parents are supported differently depending on where they go and how they are viewed by the professionals they encounter.

The book contributes to the current literature around literacy in early childhood and combines a unique case study with theoretical concepts to offer a fresh perspective on early intervention, parental engagement, and school readiness.

Local Literacies in Early Childhood will be of immense value to researchers, academics, and post-graduate students in the fields of early childhood education and literacy education. It will also be of interest to policymakers, early childhood professionals, literacy advisors, and librarians from various local, national, and international contexts who aim to support parents and children more equitably, maximizing learning opportunities and addressing educational inequalities.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032072128