It is now widely accepted that during the first few years of life the foundations are laid for all future development. If children are to reach their full potential, then high quality services are required that meet their needs for education and care, and the needs of their parents for support. Yet it is only very recently that government has recognized the importance of providing such services. Professionals working in the early childhood field are still not working together as closely as they might in order to meet families needs in an holistic way.

This book is concerned with

- the environment and the experiences that we offer to children

- equality of opportunity for all children

- respecting and valuing all children

- understanding how to support and enable children's learning

- planning how to meet children's needs as individuals, now and in the future.

But the book is also about relationships between adults and children, and about relationships between the adults - parents and educators - who work with and care for children. And it is about working across boundaries, and about finding time to care for each other as well as for our children.

This Third Edition is extensively revised and most of the chapters are completely new. The authors are all distinguished figures in the early childhood field. The book is in two main parts - policy and practice - both of them informed by research, and with additional chapters on research and training.

... presents a rare compilation of perspectives from some of the most widely respected writers in the field of early years. Indeed, the list of contributors alone would suggest that this is a book destined to be of value to anyone concerned with the welfare and education of young children... This is a highly readable text which will be welcomed by already established early years professionals and will constitute a valued resource for those training to join them.

Gillian Pugh is Chief Executive of Coram Family and a highly respected practitioner in her field.