By offering practitioners working in a variety of early years settings the opportunity to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills, this book builds on the increased government interest in and support for early years provision. The book looks at four key areas: the range of practitioners and the diversity of roles; the different perspectives on early years provision across the UK; the development of children aged 0 to 8; and the importance of play and learning in a young child's care and education. This book pays particular attention to the range of provision available and to the diversity of good practice. The strongly practical approach that underpins the writing provides a clear structure for practitioners to apply to their own contexts, and these different perspectives should help individuals to develop a firm understanding of the issues surrounding how children learn and develop.