`I would recommend this book to anyone interested in young children's development as writers. Its clarity and easy-flowing style not only make it a good read but would provide an invaluable support to schools that want to be more explicit in explaining their view of children's writing development to parents' - GAEC Newsletter `Written in a clear and straightforward style which makes it immediately accessible to those for whom developmental writing is not familiar territory, but who are concerned to understand what it involves' - Reading This is a practical guide to implementing and sustaining a developmental approach to writing in the early years. It is intended for all those interested in the education of young children, including teachers students and governors. Beginning with a sound theoretical justification for developmental writing, the book gives practical guidance on a range of issues such as planning a writing curriculum, spelling, handwriting, assessment, bilingual writers, gender, parents and creating a writing policy. Each chapter is illustrated with examples of children's writing and reference is made to The National Curriculum documents for English.