Ch. 1. Concepts, relationships and policies / Peter Moss and Julia Brannen -- Pt. I. Care and the development of social policy. Ch. 2. Getting beyond childcare: reflections on recent policy and future possibilities / Peter Moss. Ch. 3. The care of the illegitimate child: the Coram experience 1900-45 / Christine Oliver. Ch. 4. Social pedagogy: an historical account of care and education as social control / Pat Petrie. Ch. 5. An historical perspective on changing child care policy / Claire Cameron -- Pt. II. Explorations in formal care. Ch. 6. Men in the nursery / Charlie Owen. Ch. 7. Caring for children in need: the case of sponsored day care / June Statham. Ch. 8. Mother, teacher, nurse? How childminders define their role / Ann Mooney. Ch. 9. Promoting children's health through nursing care / Helen Chalmers and Peter Aggleton -- Pt. III. Care and family life. Ch. 10. Care-giving and independence in four-generation families / Julia Brannen, Peter Moss and Ann Mooney.

Ch. 11. Concepts of care and children's contribution to family life / Julia Brannen and Ellen Heptinstall. Ch. 12. Some thoughts on rethinking children's care / Julia Brannen and Peter Moss.