Description

This volume provides a discussion of the education of four- to six-year olds, based on a recognition of the complexities of being an early-years teacher. Anning begins by reviewing the historical and ideological traditions of British infant and primary schools, tracing how we have reached the position where teachers feel themselves to be torn between child-centred and utilitarian demands in educating young children. She then provides a detailed critique of recent thinking about the cognitive, social and emotional development of children, and explores the complexities of teachers' roles. She discusses the organization of the classroom, the structuring of learning in the school day and the content of the curriculum. She also tackles the implications of the series of changes in the National Curriculum Orders and the national assessment systems for seven-year olds and their impact on pre-fives and children with special educational needs.