This is the definitive resource for students and early childhood professionals seeking to understand meaningful play experiences for younger children. Covering ages 0-8, this comprehensive guide explores what play in early childhood is, why it matters, and where and how it happens. With fully updated content and new chapters, it provides everything you need for your early childhood degree and your practice, helping you to: Think critically about play and play provision. Understand what good early childhood practice looks like. See how educational theory translates into real-world settings. Explore the issues, debates, and challenges within play and early learning.This second edition includes new chapters on: Exciting contemporary approaches to the pedagogy of play. Observing and assessing play, with an emphasis on inclusive practice. Planning for play, to support effective active learning.