This practical, accessible book encourages a deep, often challenging, consideration of how young children learn and how teachers and other adults best support their learning.

Essential reading for education students, it draws on research and practice to help readers reflect critically on their beliefs and practice. After comparing different views of pedagogy, it explores children's development and the importance of culture and context, emphasising the attributes of successful learners, relationships and the learning environment.

Readers are helped think through how different aspects of pedagogy are interlinked and consider the implications for breadth, balance, planning and assessment and continuing professional development.