Review of 1st edition"e;I found the whole account a model of clarity with a good blend of theory and practice which many authors would do well to note"e;Ted Wragg, TESThe First Years at School (2nd Edn) is a practical and reflective discussion of the education of 4 to 8 year olds based on a sympathetic recognition of the complexities of being an early years teacher. Angela 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-centered and utilitarian demands in educating young children. She then provides a detailed and authoritative 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 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. The second edition brings the debate about the post Dearing Key Stage One curriculum and its implications for pre-school education bang up to date. This will be vital reading for both student and practising teachers of young children.