Against an increasingly authoritarian background of testing and instruction, concern is growing about disengagement and loss of depth and quality in education at all levels. Child Centred Education seeks to explore the role of Primary education within this debate.

The book will inspire teachers and head teachers seeking to make their practice more genuinely educational. The authors capture the current opinion that primary schools can begin to reclaim some of their autonomy, be innovative and become more creative.

Based on wide ranging research, the book sets out to revive the creative alternative to

the rigid and impoverished learning experienced by too many primary school children.

The authors:

- Trace the origins and history of the child-centred tradition

- Set out its fundamental beliefs and values

- Explore its place in education today

This book is for teachers, school governors, local authority officers, undergraduate and postgraduate teacher training, and professional development courses.

PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
PART I - The Child-Centred Legacy
CHAPTER 1 The Origins of Child-centred Education
CHAPTER 2 Contrasting Visions, Contrasting Lives
CHAPTER 3 Plowden and Beyond
PART II - Fundamental Values
CHAPTER 4 The ¿Whole Child¿ as a Person
CHAPTER 5 Making Sense: the importance of meaning and coherence
CHAPTER 6 Interdependence: the need for others
PART III - The Road to Change
CHAPTER 7 Teachers and Children
BIBLIOGRAPHY