Issues to do with early years are a government and national focus in the UK. In England the introduction of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the extension of the Early Years Professional Status programme have brought with them new questions for practitioners, both philosophically and professionally.

Celebrating the spirit of, and need for, increased multi-disciplinary working and co-operation in the care and education of children, this book brings together the dilemmas and debates in the study of early childhood. It supports the reader in understanding the background and context and encourages them to reflect on the challenges and possibilities of future early years and integrated working.

This new edition incorporates recent legislation such as the Early Years Foundation Stage and a detailed discussion of the issues surrounding child protection, the role of the social worker and children's health. Chapters include:

• safeguarding children
• play and creativity
• birth to three
• special education needs
• children's learning
• child development and psychology
• health issues for children and families.

Adopting an analytical and reflective style appropriate for degree-level and postgraduate study, this book is a core text for all students on Early Childhood Studies and Early Years courses.