Section 1: Early childhood context and policy1 Children and childhood: a historical perspective2 The current policy context of early yearsSection 2: Children's development3 Holistic development4 Children's development5 Development in the Early Years Foundation Stage6 Factors affecting children's learning and developmentSection 3: Applying child development in practice7 Supporting children's learning and development8 Observing and assessing children's learning and developmentSection 4: Enhancing practice and understanding9 Reflecting on children's learning and development10 Starting from the child11 Thinking, questioning and challenging: a critical approach to the early years.