Starting from the Child? is now in its fifth edition and has undergone a substantial rewrite to address significant shifts in teaching in the early years of education. The book's enduring appeal is its principled yet pragmatic approach to being an early childhood educator, and in this new edition the author does not shy away from addressing current sector concerns whilst holding firm to established early years’ principles and values.


The book explores the challenges faced by early childhood educators in a climate of ‘adult-insisted’ programmes, and questions whether it is possible to continue to put the child at the centre of all that we do. With her trademark passion, Julie Fisher argues that it is not only possible but essential, and offers strategies to do so in positive, enlightened and inspiring ways.


Whilst maintaining the many strengths of previous editions, every chapter is fully up to date with current research and thinking about early years practice and pedagogy. The fifth edition includes:

• a new chapter addressing what it means to ‘Start from the Child’
• a new chapter on the design of an early years’ curriculum
• a revised chapter emphasising distinctive opportunities arising from learning outdoors
• a revised chapter on planning for children's needs rather than curriculum delivery

Starting from the Child? will inspire, provoke and renew all those who are committed to working in the field of early childhood education.


Julie Fisher is an independent Early Years Adviser, author and trainer. She is also Visiting Professor of Early Childhood Education at Oxford Brookes University, UK. She has been a headteacher of two schools, a university lecturer and a local authority Lead Adviser for Early Years.


“What a tour de force! Julie’s authoritative, research and practice based, coherent, wise arguments for child-centred practice should be required reading for all primary head teachers. She has been writing editions of this book for over 27 years and she's still right!”
Helen Moylett, Early Years Consultant and Writer, Vice President of Early Education, UK


“Starting From the Child has evolved and developed in the ever changing landscape of Early Years Education since it was first published almost 30 years ago and this version is perhaps more important now than ever before. A must – read for every Head, Curriculum lead, Adviser, Inspector and Early Years Educator.”
Ruth Swailes, Independent Education Consultant and Curriculum Developer, UK

Julie Fisher is an independent Early Years Adviser and visiting Professor of early childhood education at Oxford Brookes University. Prior to this she held the post of Early Years Adviser in Oxfordshire for 11 years. Before moving to Oxfordshire, Julie was lecturer in early childhood education at the University of Reading. She has taught children from 3 to 12 years and has been headteacher of two urban, multi-cultural schools. Julie has been chair of the Early Years Curriculum Group and the National Association of Inspectors, Advisers and Consultants Early Childhood Group. She was the first elected chair of the national Early Childhood Forum. She is now national vice-chair of the British Association for Early Childhood Education. Julie is author of a number of articles on early childhood education as well as her books ‘Starting from the Child’ and ‘The Foundations of Learning’ (Open University Press).