Young children's personal, social and emotional development is an area of ever-increasing interest to those working in the field of early childhood. This fully revised fourth edition of Marion Dowling's much-loved book has been updated to include: Current policies and frameworks, up-to-date research references and revised case studies Coverage of Troubled Families and 'Vulnerable Children', with sections on identifying risk, talking to families and safeguarding and protection A revised final chapter considering different methods of supporting children Updated links to EYFS and Teaching Standards (Early Years} and a focus on two year olds New guidance for working with parents Online material including links to journal articles and a video interview with the author With thought-provoking questions and practical suggestions to help readers to reflect on and develop their own practice, this book is essential reading for all Early Years students and practitioners.

This book highlights issues concerning the child's first year in school and considers the needs of four-year-olds. The author does not advocate the admission of four-year-olds to school, but accepts that admission to mainstream school is a reality for many children of this age.

She sets out the basics of good educational practice for the under-fivess, considers the factors which support that practice, and suggests that these factors are an essential requirement for the future education of all under-fives.

`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 curriculum which falls short of high quality nursery practice. Even the best intentions are not enough unless they are accompanied by an understanding of the development of young children and how this can be assisted and enriched. The Second Edition of this widely used book blends a practical approach to nursery work with a consideration of research which highlights the best practices. It will be of great benefit to everyone in pre-school education.

Young children's personal, social and emotional development is an area of ever-increasing interest to those working in the field of early childhood. This fully revised fourth edition of Marion Dowling's much-loved book has been updated to include: Current policies and frameworks, up-to-date research references and revised case studies Coverage of Troubled Families and 'Vulnerable Children', with sections on identifying risk, talking to families and safeguarding and protection A revised final chapter considering different methods of supporting children Updated links to EYFS and Teaching Standards (Early Years} and a focus on two year olds New guidance for working with parents Online material including links to journal articles and a video interview with the author With thought-provoking questions and practical suggestions to help readers to reflect on and develop their own practice, this book is essential reading for all Early Years students and practitioners.

'This is a book to be treasured. This deeply respected pioneer brings together major research literature, theoretical understanding and practical help. She does so in a way that demonstrates her love and commitment in working with young children and helping them to have rich lives intellectually and with personal fulfillment' -Professor Tina Bruce CBE 'What comes through is weighty warmth. The weight of research and experience coupled with the warmth of the fascination of children's development over Marion's professional and personal lifetime' -Professor Mick Waters, Wolverhampton University 'This highly knowledgeable yet accessible book will be hugely valuable for all those who care deeply about young children's learning and development' -Liz Roberts, Editor, Nursery World 'A tour de force which has the potential to change practice and thinking about early childhood' -Helen Moylett, Early Learning and Consultancy, President of Early Education Clearly linking theory and practice, this highly accessible book will be valuable to practitioners, teachers and students. The author explores the development of children's thinking from 0-7 years, and how this affects home, Early Years settings and schools. The book includes: - case studies - professional checkpoints to help reflection - practical suggestions - guidance on involving parents - suggested reading - questions for discussion. It will be a great asset for students on Early Years Foundation Degrees, Initial Teacher Education and Early Childhood Studies courses. Marion Dowling works as a trainer and consultant in the UK and overseas, and is Vice President of Early Education, a national charity.