Review of the first edition "a fine and refreshing collection of articles! Each chapter is integrated closely with the others, [making] The Excellence of Play easy to dip into as well as presenting readers with the opportunity to read in more detail about aspects of play theory in practice that particularly interest them! This is exactly the kind of practical information and structure that teachers need." BERJ "the book is highly recommended for both students and practitioners who are interested in developing their understanding of play in early childhood." Early Years journal This second edition of The Excellence of Play encapsulates all the many changes that have taken place in early childhood in the last decade. It examines the vital importance of play as a tool for learning and teaching for children and practitioners, supporting all those who work in early childhood education and care in developing and implementing the highest quality play experiences for young children. All the contributors are experts in their fields and all are passionate about the excellence of play. While the importance of curriculum and assessment is retained and extended, this edition features many new contributions, including: Children as social and active agents in their own play More background to current research on play theory and practice Practitioners' roles in play and adults' enabling of play Links with the Foundation Stage (including legislation and policy) Links with the first years of school and beyond Outdoor and physical play, including rough and tumble Gender differences Play and observation/assessment Special Educational Needs and play The Excellence of Play provides a powerful argument that a curriculum which sanctions and utilizes play is more likely to provide well-balanced citizens of the future, as well as happier and more learned children in the present. It is essential reading for all early years students and practitioners. Contributors: Lesley Abbott, Sian Adams, Angela Anning, Pat Broadhead, Tina Bruce, Tricia David, Dan Davies, Bernadette Duffy, Aline-Wendy Dunlop, Carey English, Hilary Fabian, Rose Griffiths, Nigel Hall, Stephanie Harding, Jane Hislam, Alan Howe, Helen Jameson, Neil Kitson, Ann Langston, Janet Moyles, Theodora Papatheodorou, Linda Pound, Sacha Powell, Iram Siraj-Blatchford, Peter K. Smith, David Whitebread.