This accessible guide to child development is for students of degrees and foundation degrees in Early Years, Early Childhood Studies and related disciplines and for early years practitioners.

*Introduces the context of child development

*Develops an understanding of development and of how early years practitioners can support this

*Explores the biological/social debate, and the importance of holistic development

*Examines factors affecting development and includes a chapter on reflective practice

*Considers the complexity of children's development and argues that is is not always a straight forward progression

This fifth edition:

*is updated in line with the new EYFS and the updated Development Matters;

*is updated to include child development learning from 0-8

*includes up-to-date guidance on assessment processes in the Early Years;

*includes a new section with key knowledge on well known theories of child development.