This section concerns the creation of environments to support high-quality teaching and learning; environments in which children can thrive. We begin by considering the circumstances which impinge on families and early years settings (Chapter 5) – and we note how people contribute to and challenge such circumstances through their actions. We then move to the heart of life within ECEC settings with a focus on the significance of relationships and how positive learning relationships can be forged and maintained (Chapter 6). Chapter 7 considers how we can ensure children are engaged and motivated to learn and how this can support behaviour management. Finally, we consider a range of learning spaces (Chapter 8), and we consider the affordances they offer formal and informal learning.
