This text provides a broad-ranging and up-to-date review of thinking and best practice within nursery and infant education. It 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 range of basic issues and principles, including: an analysis of research into how children learn; discussions of issues such as classroom organisation, curriculum management, and assessment; a detailed section on play and language; and chapters covering individual curriculum areas, including new chapters on children's art, ICT and PSHE. Each chapter combines a review of important principles with practical and inspiring classroom examples.