With so many challenges facing early years professionals, there are continual dilemmas arising between doing what one knows is essentially 'right' for birth-to-five-year-olds from all backgrounds and conforming to the demands made by government and policy makers. This exciting and original book supports practitioners in thinking through their roles to meet some of the many issues they encounter.Using the new Early Years Foundation Stage principles as its framework, the contributors support early years professionals in dealing with issues and challenges in a sensitive and professional manner, with particular emphasis upon the need for practitioners to personalise the requirements for each child in their care and to reflect closely upon their own and children's experiences. The writers are all experienced and avid early years advocates. Their topics include: the changing landscape of early childhood, culture, identity and diversity, supporting playful learning, outdoor learning, documenting children's experiences, developing independence in learning, the meaning of being creative, play and mark-making in maths, and literacy.Each section is introduced with some background research and information to provide evidence and guidance upon which practitioners can make their own decisions. Individual chapters include questions for reflection, points for discussion and suggestions for additional reading. "Early Years Foundations: Meeting the Challenge" is essential reading for the full range of practitioners working and playing with birth-to-five-year-olds. Contributors include: Deborah Albon, Pat Broadhead, Liz Brooker, Naima Browne, Elizabeth Carruthers, Tricia David, Dan Davies, Jackie Eyles, Hilary Fabian, Rose Griffiths, Alan Howe, Paulette Luff, Rod Parker-Rees, Theodora Papatheodorou, Emmie Short, David Whitebread, Marian Whitehead and Maulfry Worthington.