Noting that whereas British primary schools are admirable, provision of preschool education is uneven, this book examines the questionable changes brought on by recent government policies, and the consequences of those changes, enjoining policymakers to change their attitude toward early childhood education and improve the mesh between nursery and primary schools. Following an introduction about the effects of policy on quality early childhood provision, the chapters are as follows: (1) "Why Not Happiness? Reflections on Change and Conflict in Early Childhood Education" (Marian Whitehead); (2) "Four Year Olds in School: Cause for Concern" (Jenefer Joseph); (3) "The Professional Identity of Early Years Teachers: Challenges and Constraints" (Iram Siraj-Blatchford); and (4) Early Childhood Education...Where Are We Now?" (Rosalind Swann and Philip Gammage). The book concludes with a postscript, listing ten points of good practice in early childhood education. References are included with each chapter. (HTH)