From Birth to Sixteen outlines children's physical, social, emotional, and language development from infancy through to adolescence. In both its practical application of research and its contribution to the assessment of child development, this text provides essential reading for those studying child development, and indeed those practising, in the fields of nursing, play work, youth work, play therapy, early years education, teaching, social work, and occupational therapy.


Accessible and engaging, this innovative text includes case studies, tables, and references to relevant studies - making links to professional practice throughout. Designed to fit with the requirements of the Common Assessment Framework, it presents developmental models for the years from birth to sixteen under each of the following themes:








Children's rights and responsibilities







Relationships in the family







Relationships in day care, at school, and with the peer group







Language and communication







Children and the media







Health issues in childhood and adolescence







Emotional well-being and resilience





A dedicated companion website offers additional teaching and learning resources for students and lecturers, including an interactive timeline, further case studies and extensive self-assessment material.


The text appreciates the diversity of ways in which children develop, taking into account gender, ethnicity, social background, and disability, and values children's resilience in conditions of adversity. From the foundations of the subject through to its application in practice, From Birth to Sixteen provides an indispensable companion to child development courses and beyond.