ABSTRACT
For many people this may be the first academic book they have picked up and started to read since they left school, possibly some years ago. When the notion of university is mentioned, mature students often say that it is for young people who are academically able. They are older and have not studied for a long time, or at least not at the higher education (HE) level, and are, therefore, rather hesitant about starting work at that level. It is always reassuring to realise that there are many people in a similar situation; many of them are experienced people who have worked with children for a very long time. They have a vast practical knowledge and understanding of children but now want to know more about the ‘why’ — the theoretical underpinning — that will give an understanding of how children learn so that the learning support they provide is further enhanced.
