Includes bibliographical references (pages 197-223) and index.

Machine generated contents note: Measuring the immeasurable -- Who are we, what do we stand for? -- What guides our practice? Why do we do what we do? -- Respectful relationships -- ethics of early education and care -- Learning from colleagues -- Is this the book for me? -- Why we need to know about research -- Research is for all practitioners -- What does research tell us about babies and toddlers? -- Little voices -- important messages -- Broadening the research lens -- Why research from different disciplines matters -- Why inclusion matters -- Why love matters -- policy context in the UK in the twenty-first century -- recent history of policy development -- Why Every Child Still Matters -- Early intervention -- Safeguarding -- Training and qualifications for early years practitioners -- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) -- Understanding how young children learn and develop -- role of the adult -- learning as a social process -- How can stages of development support planning? -- Secure relationships -- Learning through play -- Schemas and children's learning and development -- real treasure basket -- Real heuristic play -- Exploring beyond the treasure basket -- Creating learning environments for young children -- Organizing the environment for children's needs -- 'Continuous provision' planning -- Environments for learning in a home setting -- Environments for learning in a 'pack away' pre-school -- Environments for learning in purpose-built provision -- Environments for learning in a mixed age range setting -- Subtleties of the key person approach -- Observation for planning -- Recording for planning and progression -- Assessment for planning -- planning for learning -- Partnership with parents -- What is planning for learning? -- How to plan effectively -- Settling into an early years setting -- easing transitions -- emotional complexity of everyday transitions -- 'Islands of intimacy'.

This title is an essential companion for all who work with children under three. It makes relevant research accessible and provides practical support material for curriculum, learning, teaching, planning and assessment.