Children are highly motivated to play, although adults find defining and understanding children's play a challenge. The documentation of play has been a fairly recent phenomenon. Commissioned by Play England, this review of literature is the first to focus on free play from birth to seven years old.Free Play in Early Childhood draws on a range of views, including observational and research-based studies, as well as the work of pioneers and well-respected writers in the field. In doing so, it provides insights from different professional perspectives, types of early years provision and theoretical perspectives, and demonstrates the vital importance of ensuring that all children have environments and opportunities for free play in their early childhood.Topics covered in the literature review include historical and modern perspectives on play, play and brain development, play and learning and the role of adults in play.It is aimed at playwork professionals, early years playworkers, Sure Start, Children's Fund, Nursery providers and early years training providers.