"This book reaffirms in a very readable and engaging way the liberal, humane values that have informed, and still inform, the work of so many primary schools and teachers. It challenges its readers to engage personally with both values and vision. This is particularly necessary in the current context where primary education is in danger of being replaced by primary schooling through government diktat. The book is part of the principled resistance necessary to combat this menace to English childhood and teacher professionalism." Colin Richards, former senior HMI and Emeritus Professor, University of Cumbria, UK

"A book putting children at the centre of education is a rare delight. It sloughs away the boredom of government directives and the 'compliant culture' (Compton) that follows. Chapters begin with eye-catching vignettes about learning. The text is evocatively written and, like a good novel, has memorable nuggets at regular intervals: e.g. Taylor's 'curiosity is all about possibilities.' The book delivers practical approaches for student/teachers by practitioners. It is refreshing in its willingness to articulate values. Kimaliro and Woolley present the challenge for us all: 'how can teachers make possible the dreams that are to shape tomorrow's pathways?'" Dr Trevor Kerry, Emeritus Professor, University of Lincoln, UK & Visiting Professor, Bishop Grosseteste University, UK

"This book enters the initial teacher education field almost like a breath of fresh air because it reminds us of children and their worlds. The contributors tackle some of the 'big ideas' in education and provide a strong foundation for those students in initial teacher education who might be seeking to make sense of their emerging role as educators. Each of the chapters contextualises its theme within the recognisable curriculum orthodoxies of primary education but seeks to expand these margins and place children once again at the centre of the curriculum. The editors deserve congratulations in remind all of us about the purposes of primary education." Dr Robyn CoxAssociate Professor Literacy Education, Strathfield Faculty of EducationAustralian Catholic University, Australia

Contributors: Ashley Compton; Linda Cooper; Karen Elvidge; Nigel Hutchinson; Eunice Kimaliro; Lindy Nahmad-Williams; Rachael Paige; Mike Steele