Bloomsbury Education Policy Unravelled

Education Policy Unravelled examines the nature of contemporary education policy, its purposes and political formation. This thoroughly revised edition charts the continuity of policy development along neo-liberal lines, taking a historical perspective broadly from the 19th century and towards the emerging position of the current Conservative government in the UK. This new edition now includes: - the developments in education policy which took place under the Coalition government administration between 2010-2015; - a brand new chapter on policy developments in early childhood education and care; - a brand new chapter on inclusive schools, special educational needs and disability; - new activities and illustrative case studies to challenge and inform students thinking and understanding around key policy issues; - discussion of new research and recent legislation to illuminate important and emergent issues in education. Written in an accessible style, this is an invaluable guide for engaging with education policy as it uses a variety of key elements of policy theory in order to support students through some of the complexities involved in contemporary policy analysis and critique. Review Education policy is an increasingly complex arena and this book – extensive in its historical and geographical perspective, detailed in its examination of policy contexts and enactments, and critical in its insistence on digging beneath the status quo and challenging the platitudes of politicians and policy makers – lives up to its promise to unravel policy. I cannot think of a better guide for students, teachers and researchers. ― Matthew Clarke, Chair Professor in Education, York St John University, UKThe inclusive education chapter is one of the best I have seen. ― Anne Ferguson, University of Glasgow, UKThis book has always been well received by a number of academic tutors in teacher education. This book offers interesting analysis of education policy and fits nicely into modules that look at the nature of the curriculum in this country including policy/statutory review and changes. This book also allows you to see many of the bigger ideas associated with a curriculum and this serves to extend student perspectives on a curriculum, leading them into more political and social justice spheres. ― Claire Morse, University of Winchester, UKDoes exactly as the title suggests ... This is an excellent book for those attempting to understand education in light of recent policy initiatives with a critical lens. ― Kamal Ahmed, University of Cumbria, UK About the Author Gillian Forrester is an independent academic researcher. She was formerly Subject Head of Education and Early Childhood Studies, Faculty of Education, Health and Community at Liverpool John Moores University, UK.