Product Description This book documents the first five years of life of the children of the influential Millennium Cohort Study, which is tracking almost 19,000 babies born in 2000 and 2001 in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This book is the second in a series of books which will report on the findings from the data and follows on from Children of the 21st century: From birth to nine months (The Policy Press, 2005). It takes an extended look at the children's lives and development as they grow and begin formal education, and the implications for family policy, and service planning in health and social services. The chapters in this book are written by experts across a wide range of social science and health fields and form a unique look at the early lives of children that cuts across disciplinary boundaries. It is essential reading for academics, students and researchers in these fields. It will also be of relevance to policy makers and practitioners with an interest in children's early years, family life, child development, child poverty, childcare and education and health care. Review "Written by experts from a variety of disciplines, the book takes an extended look at the children's lives and development as they begin formal statutory education, as well as service planning in early years, health and social services... Throughout, the book acknowledges that many initiatives designed to support children and families are, at best, in their own infancies; it is still too early to gauge their impact on the millennium children." Children & Young People Now"This is a 'must read' book for those interested in the MCS, child well-being, ethnic diversity and modern family life." Christine Skinner in Journal of Social Policy Review "If you want to know how young children in the 21st Century are faring in the U.K., the book by Hansen, Joshi, and Dex is a must-read!" Jeanne Brooks-Gunn, Virginia and Leonard Marx Professor of Child Develo