This book endorses play and activities as integral to learning and development for children and young people from 0-16 years, and looks at how childcare practitioners working specifically in the home-based setting might best promote this. In addition to covering the stages of child development, this book will give: practical ideas for play and activities insight into how various forms of play can assist children's learning and development guidance for your assessment of children's learning and development, and the impact this can have on the support you are giving background information about the National Curriculum and what is going on at school tips on how you might support the learning of groups of children at various ages and with different learning needs practical advice on how to encourage respect and values advice on how to promote safe play. This book is invaluable for all students of the Diploma for Home-based Childcare, and for all qualified childminders and nannies who are looking for fresh new ideas and advice on how to encourage learning through play with the children in their care.