"First edition published by Routledge 2013" -- Title page verso.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction PART 1. The early influences 1. From Plato to Froebel PART 2. A history of connections in early childhood education: Five key women pioneers – their roots and legacies 2. Charlotte Mason 3. Rachel and Margaret McMillan 4. Maria Montessori 5. Susan Isaacs PART 3. Contemporary Perspectives 6. The pioneers’ legacies to UK and international policy on early childhood education 7. A Foucauldian perspective of legacies as a "regimes of truth" in the context of neoliberal accountability

"Rachel and Margaret McMillan, Maria Montessori and Susan Isaacs have had a major impact on contemporary early years curriculum theory and practice. This insightful book introduces students and practitioners to the ideas, philosophies and writings of these key early thinkers in early childhood education and show how they relate to quality early years provision today. This new and revised edition introduces another pioneer, Charlotte Mason (1832 -1923) who saw learning as a lifestyle, rather than a means for passing tests and doing a set number of tasks; sentiments which resonate strongly today. The book explores the influences that shaped the ideas, values and beliefs of each pioneer and clearly demonstrates how they have each contributed to our knowledge of young children's learning and development. It then examines these in the context of current policy to highlight the key ideas that practitioners should consider when reflecting on their own practice. Written to support the work of all those in the field of early childhood education, this book will be invaluable to students and practitioners that wish to fully understand the lasting legacies of these four influential women"--