This is an excellent book which should be in every playgroup and nursery school' - "Nursery World

"

The National Curriculum, although not applicable to children under five, highlights the significance of education in the earliest years. Unless secure foundations for learning are established these children are unable to benefit from a statutory educational programme.

Despite this, the complexity of nursery teaching remains largely unrecognised; provision continues to be under-resourced in many parts of the country, and some of our youngest children are being offered an inappropriate...

This text highlights issues concerning the child's first year in school and considers the needs of four-year-olds. It sets out the basics of good educational practice for the under-fives and considers the factors which support that practice.

Based on the author's current consultancy and training work, this book helps early childhood practitioners and students understand and develop young children's thinking.

Young children's personal, social and emotional development is of central importance to all those working in the Early Years.

Offering thought-provoking questions and practical suggestions to help readers to reflect on and develop their own practice, this fourth edition of Marion Dowling's much-loved book has been fully updated to include:

Expanded coverage of key topics including independent thinking, living and learning with others, and dispositions for learning A new chapter on 'Vulnerable Children and Fragile Families', with sections on identifying risk, talking...

Young children's personal, social and emotional development is of central importance to all those working in the Early Years.

Offering thought-provoking questions and practical suggestions to help readers to reflect on and develop their own practice, this fourth edition of Marion Dowling's much-loved book has been fully updated to include:

Expanded coverage of key topics including independent thinking, living and learning with others, and dispositions for learning A new chapter on 'Vulnerable Children and Fragile Families', with sections on identifying risk, talking...