Includes bibliographical references and index.

Understanding the concept of 'school readiness': A journey already begun at birth -- Te history and development of school readiness -- Ensuring the best start in life -- How children learn -- The essential role of the practitioner -- Families and practitioners working in partnership -- The importance of play -- Working specially with babies -- Working specially with under-threes -- Working specially with under-fives -- An alternative way forward.

We've all heard of the term school readiness but how many of us understand what is meant by it? What does it mean in the context of child development and wellbeing and what implications does it have for creating enthusiastic lifelong learners? How can we really give our children the best start in their most formative years? This book will ensure you understand school readiness but also understand: the experiential nature of children's learning; how future success is affected by the experiences that have gone before; and the importance of your role in the child's journey. This book will give you the confidence to deliver practice that exceeds expectations and the knowledge to stand by your approach to teaching and caring for the children you work with.