Social pedagogy is an innovative discipline that supports children's upbringing and overall development by focusing on the child as a whole person. It has been described as where education and care meet or as 'education in its broadest sense'.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the theory, principles and practice of social pedagogy and the profession of social pedagogue. With chapters from leading international contributors, it outlines the roots of social pedagogy and its development in Europe, and its role in relation to individuals, groups, communities and societies. Also covered is how it applies in practice to working with children and young people in a variety of settings, including children in care and in need of family support, and its potential future applications.

This seminal book on an increasingly important topic will be essential reading for all academics, researchers and practitioners working with children.

1. Social Pedagogy: Current Understandings and Opportunities. Claire Cameron and Peter Moss, Thomas Coram Research Unit (TCRU), Institute of Education, University of London, UK. 2. Conceptual Foundations of Social Pedagogy: A Transnational Perspective from Germany. Gabriel Eichsteller and Sylvia Holthoff, ThemPra Social Pedagogy, Germany. 3. Diversity in Early Childhood Education: A Matter of Social Pedagogical Embarrassment. Michel Vandenbroeck, Filip Coussée, Lieve Bradt and Rudi Roose, Ghent University, Belgium. 4. Interpersonal Communication: The Medium for Social Pedagogic Practice. Pat Petrie, Centre for Understanding Social Pedagogy, Institute of Education, University of London, UK. 5. Social Pedagogy as Relational Dialogic Work: Competencies in Modern Society. Inge M. Bryderup and Anna Kathrine Frørup, University of Aarhus, Denmark. 6. The Supportive Relationship in 'Public Care': The Relevance of Social Pedagogy. Janet Boddy, TCRU, UK. 7. Communication and Conflict: An Important Part of Social Pedagogic Relationships. Stefan Kleipoedszus, TCRU, UK. 8. Understandings of Danish Pedagogical Practice. Jytte Juul Jensen, VIA University College, Denmark. 9. Early Childhood Education in Reggio Emilia and Social Pedagogy: Are they Related? Peter Moss. 10. Radical Democratic Education and Emancipatory Social Pedagogy: Prolegomena to a Dialogue. Michael Fielding, Institute of Education, University of London, UK. 11. Social Pedagogy: Future Directions? Peter Moss and Claire Cameron. Contributors. Index.