Intro; Title Page; Copyright Page; Contents; Acknowledgements; Introduction; Part 1: Identity and Culture in a World of Uncertainty; Chapter 1: Exploring identity and culture; Unpicking the puzzle of identity and multiple identities; Probing into what culture means; Examining how culture operates and exerts influence; Asking why belonging matters; Chapter 2: Thinking through the intersections of identity and culture; Seeing how gender affects identity; Understanding the effects of ethnicity and race on identity; Working out how social class affects identity

Exploring the relationship between religion and identityChapter 3: Understanding the changing social, cultural and educational landscape; Looking at how childhood is understood in different times and cultures; Surveying the changing social and cultural context; Assessing the current educational context; Identifying the qualities and dispositions required for an uncertain world; Part 2: How Young Children's Identities Are Shaped; Chapter 4: Constructing identities; Exploring how young children learn; Becoming attached and socialized; Learning through example, habit, practice and feedback

Representing experienceChapter 5: Exercising agency, creativity and imagination; Reaching beyond what is familiar; Discovering oneself through play and drama; Shaping identities through hearing and telling stories; Creating new identities through the arts and the humanities; Chapter 6: Belonging and participating in inclusive environments; Feeling nurtured and being challenged; Becoming intrinsically motivated; Participating and working together; Developing confidence, resilience and empathy; Part 3: The Implications for Adults; Chapter 7: Working towards a holistic approach

Balancing conflicting prioritiesBecoming attuned to, and interacting with, young children; Establishing expectations and reducing the barriers to learning; Providing positive role models; Chapter 8: Considering the implications for adults outside schools; Adopting a holistic approach; Figuring out how parents/carers can help young children's search for identity; Thinking about the role of the extended family and family friends; Reflecting on how other significant adults can help strengthen children's identities; Chapter 9: Reviewing the implications for schools and teachers

Rethinking the aims of schoolingStriving towards a broad, balanced and inclusive curriculum; Unpicking the implications for pedagogy; Reviewing approaches to assessment and planning; Conclusion; Reflecting on identities, cultures and belonging; Unravelling the implications for young children; Exploring the challenges for adults; Summarizing what a holistic education implies for teachers, schools and policy; Glossary; Bibliography; Index