The book is written from a Sure Start centre perspective and aimed at all early year’s professionals. It is set out in a format that is clear and welcoming. The book can easily be read quickly and it has a clear aim of helping practitioners to see the world from a child’s view so that they can really develop a listening culture in their own setting. This process involves tuning in to a child and receiving, interpreting and responding to children’s communication.

The book is presented in an accessible format with clear illustrations and explains to the novice why we need to listen to children and explains what theory and legislation underpins this understanding. This is logically followed by many strategies, activities and techniques we can use to extend our listening and communication expertise.

The book shares lots of ideas for consulting with children and offering them choices, lots of information to reinforce our practice and reminders to help us focus on what we already do. The book gives examples of observations and methods demonstrating how one setting built up their listening culture.

The final 2 chapters show us some examples of good practice in this area which can serve as good reference points when assessing our own practice.

I think this book can be valuable to a childminder, offering up to date ideas and information to inspire good practice. Much of what is suggested can be applied easily in a very small setting. It may help home-based child carers to see the potential for excellence in a very small setting.

8 out of 10

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