This book provides a broad-ranging and up-to-date review of current thinking and best practice within nursery and infant education. The book is based on the basic truth that an effective early years curriculum must start with the children, their needs and their potential. The best teaching must have a strong element of fun, wonder and excitement, and play is a crucial part of this.This new edition has been fully revised and updated in light of the introduction of the Foundation Stage and Early Learning Goals. The authors review all major areas of the Early Years Curriculum and a raneg of basic issues and principles, including:an analysis of current research into how children learndiscussions of issues such as classroom organisation, curriculum management, and assessmenta detailed section on play and languagechapters covering individual curriculum areas, including new chapters on children's art, ICT and PSHEEach chapter combines a review of important principles with practical and inspiring classroom examples.The book is essential reading for all Early Years trainee teachers.