'An excellent text which offers students a rounded view of early years in the context of political agendas, while still maintaining the child at the centre of provision and understanding.'
- Stephanie Evans, University of Cumbria

'Fully up-to-date with an accessible layout and style and a balance between current research, theory and practice, this new edition will prove to be a valuable resource for all students and practitioners.'
- Jan Marks, Senior Lecturer, Early Years, University of Chester

'This should be a key text for all studying and teaching in the field of early years.'
- Ioanna Paliologou, Centre for Educational Studies, University of Hull

This new edition of an iconic book examines the key themes involved in the study of young children and childhood from a variety of disciplines and international perspectives, making essential links between theory and practice to help you apply your learning in real-life settings.

Key additions:

• New chapters on cultural-historical child development and childhood in a digital age
• Renewed emphasis on reflective practice across Part 4, supporting and encouraging your professional development
• New Reflection Points encourage deeper discussion and critical reflection, ideal for testing your understanding
• The latest on changes in early years policy and practice

Throughout, case studies, exercises and links to further reading help you engage with key issues and test your learning, making it easier for you to get to grips with all aspects of your course.

This new edition of the book reflects on contemporary issues in the field of early childhood studies and engages students in concepts that relate to young children. In offering theoretical perspectives of early childhood the book also draws students into critical reflection on practice. This should be a key text for all studying and teaching in the field of early years. -- Dr Ioanna Palaiologou
An excellent text for introducing the early years to specialists and non-specialists. It offers the student a rounded view of early years in the context of political agendas, while still maintaining the child at the centre of provision and understanding. -- Stephanie Hayes
Fully up to date with an accessible layout and style and a balance between current research, theory and practice, this new edition will prove to be a valuable resource for all students and practitioners interested in early childhood. -- Jan Marks
With its interlinked themes and different theoretical perspectives, this book will be of interest to both students and practitioners, prompting new thoughts on how practice can be improved and developed. -- Nursery World

Sacha Powell is Professor of Early Childhood Care and Education, and Director of the Research Centre for Children, Families and Communities at Canterbury Christ Church University. Her research focuses on policies and practices in the care and education of babies and children up to three. Her recent publications include the Routledge International Handbook of Philosophies and Theories of Early Childhood Education and Care (2016). Sacha is Chair of the UK's Association for Professional Development in Early Years (www.tactyc.org.uk) and a member of the Research Committee of The Froebel Trust (www.froebel.org.uk). Her first degree was in Modern Chinese with Japanese and she continues to collaborate with colleagues in early childhood settings, universities and local education bureaus in China.