First Published in 2000. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Introduction - Looking at early years education and care: towards firmer foundations; Play as a foundation for learning; Aspects of practice in early years settings; Professional roles in early childhood; Children in the family and society; Working in teams in early years settings; Supporting children with communication difficulties; Inclusive education in the early years; Promoting child health; Bilingual children in the pre-school years: different experiences of early learning; Working with parents in early years settings; Talking and listening; Literacy learning at home and at school; Literacy in reception classes; Children growing and changing: the interpersonal world of the growing child; Number in play and everyday life; Exploring our world; Creative expression; Meaningful history with young children.

Edited by Rose Drury, Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for the Early Childhood Education and Care Certificate Course, Linda Miller, Principal Lecturer in Early Years Education and Scheme Tutor for undergraduate courses in Early Childhood Studies and Robin Campbell, Emeritus Professor of Primary Education, all at the University of Hertfordshire.