This book focuses on the need to equip practitioners to meet the play needs of children in today's early years settings. With babies and very young children increasingly being cared for in out-of-home care settings, it is essential for early years practitioners to be responsive and reflective to ensure that these young children's needs are met in an appropriate way. "Beginning to Play" explores the young child's right to a high quality, multi-sensory play environment where play really can begin. It builds on Goldschmied's concept of Treasure Basket play, which involves a wide variety of everyday objects gathered together to stimulate all five senses of babies and young children. The book features detailed observations of babies beginning to play at and beyond the treasure basket. These observations support readers in offering rich play materials and experiences. Following a foreword and a preface, this book is divided into seven chapters: (1) Anchor Points in the First Year; (2) Play and Playthings--Crossing Cultures; (3) And Me Play with Significant Others; (4) Movement and Moving About; (5) The Senses; Treasure Baskets; (6) Absolute Treasures; and (7) Tuning in Talking and Listening.