Fully updated in light of changes to the Early Years frameworks and new theory and research, Schemas: A Practical Handbook 2nd Edition helps you to understand what schemas look like, why they’re important and how they can be used to create engaging learning opportunities.

Have you ever wondered why children in your setting persistently play with the door, mix sand with water or throw things halfway across the room? This easy-to-use, dip-in book explains all these repetitive behaviours (known as schemas) using straightforward language. By providing the right resources and opportunities, Laura England (also known as Little Miss Early Years) strongly believes that these behaviours can be harnessed to unlock learning in young children.

Drawing on her decade of Early Years practice, Laura has fully updated this second edition to include new material on wellbeing, inclusion and play, as well as updated links to current frameworks such as Development Matters. For each common schema, you will find real-life case studies and photographs that demonstrate what that schema looks like in action and lots of new practical, low-cost ideas for creating learning opportunities using treasure baskets, sensory play, outdoor play and much more!

Laura England is an Early Years teacher with an MA in Education, and a committee member of the Staffordshire Early Years Professional Network. She has been featured in many Early Years publications including Teach Early Years and Early Years Educator magazines. She specialises in open-ended play, particularly schemas and loose parts play. Laura is known online as Little Miss Early Years, and shares activity ideas and practical advice. Follow her @littlemissearlyyears.