For all involved in teaching young children, this timely book offers the necessary tool with which to develop a broad, creative and inspirational visual arts programme. Presented in two parts, this text covers both theoretical and practical angles: - Part one investigates contemporary early childhood art education, challenging what is traditionally considered an early years art experience - Part two puts theory to text by presenting the reader with numerous inventive visual art lessons that imaginatively meet goals for creative development issued by the QCAThe author strikes the perfect balance between discussion of the subject and provision of hands-on material for use in lessons, which makes this book a complete art education resource for all involved in early years art education. Teachers, trainee teachers, or nursery teachers, who wish to implement a more holistic art curriculum in the classroom whilst meeting all the required standards, will find this an essential companion.