Teaching assistants need to have a particular understanding of how children's minds work and this book provides it. It outlines the psychology of human development, the psychology of learning and the psychology of institutions and groups. This entirely revised edition of the 2005 book is based on the current debates and practices of special education and inclusion, emphasising multiple perspectives. In the sections on development and learning, particular attention is devoted to - attachment theory - language development - working with disaffected teenagers - the emotional impact of loss, including discovering disability in a child - the psychological effects of abuse - cognitive curricula - learning empowerment through independence - The section on institutions and groups looks particularly at - processes in groups - working in breakfast and after school clubs - working in learning support units - leadership models - interpersonal communication - violence, aggression and bullying - emancipatory psychology