' The no-nonsense style is direct but encouraging for those practitioners with perhaps little time for professional development yet still wanting to keep abreast of current thought and good practice'-Early Years

`This author has updated and revised what was already an informative and useful book. A wide range of practitioners will find support here to understand and create good practice for children in PSED. A valuable book that will certainly go on my reading list' - Nursery World

`As in the first edition of this important book, Marion Dowling takes up all the main issues confronting those who work with young children in a wide variety of settings. The explanations, case studies and suggestions provide an invaluable resource for all of us who aim to build solid foundations right from the start' - from the foreword by Lillian Katz, Professor of Early Childhood Education, University of Illinois

`Marion Dowling's comprehensive and insightful book shows exactly why personal, social and emotional development must be at the heart of any early years curriculum ... it will prove an invaluable guide for practitioners and providers striving to put children's needs at the centre of their work' - Liz Roberts, Editor of Nursery World Magazine

`This book is an excellent source of material for existing practitioners, tutors and those embarking on working with young children in whatever capacity' - Dr Jan Savage, Joint Co-ordinator of Early Childhood Studies, University of Plymouth

`Those who know the quality of Marion Dowling's work will not be disappointed ... As always her deep understanding of, and sensitivity to, the needs of very young children shines through her work'- Lesley Staggs, National Director, Foundation Stage, Primary National Strategy

Young children's personal, social and emotional development is an area of ever-increasing interest to those working in the field of early childhood. The growing awareness of this field of research and training has been boosted by the introduction of a major new government initiative, the Local Authority Sure Start Strategic Plans 2004-2006.

This Second Edition revises and expands Marion Dowling's highly acclaimed and influential guide to the subject. It includes an expanded chapter on children's spiritual development, and two new chapters on young children's behaviour and the use of the outdoors as an educational resource.

Written in an accessible style and including revealing new case studies, this book is essential reading for students and practitioners.

Marion Dowling has extensive and varied experience in the Early Years sector. Recently she has focused on training and consultancy in the UK, Europe and the Pacific Rim.