International evidence

International Evidence

Analytical Services and the Sure Start, Extended Schools and Childcare Group commissioned researchers at Thomas Coram Research Unit to prepare a series of seminar papers setting out the international evidence on the provision of early childhood education and care services, child outcomes, quality, the workforce, funding and sustainability. The series also includes a paper summarising the findings as well as an introductory paper which discusses the rationale for cross-national work. The papers review evidence from cross-national studies concerning early childhood education and childcare (ECEC) services for children aged from birth to 14 (16 for children with special educational needs). These papers were written in conjunction with seminars held for policymakers.

• Early Years & Childcare International Evidence Project - Introduction (Paper 1: October 2003)
  This paper provides an introduction to issues in cross-national work,to the methods used in this study and to the countries that have been included.
  
• Early Years & Childcare International Evidence Project - Provision of Services (Paper 2: October 2003)
  This paper is about the provision of early years and childcare services, and their relationship to compulsory schooling. We consider: type and extent of provision; any barriers to take-up among older, school-age children; provision for children with special needs; the relationship to wider family support policies; and the attainmemt of mature childcare markets.
• Early Years & Childcare International Evidence Project - Child Outcomes (Paper 3: October 2003)
  This paper focuses on a number of issues related to child outcomes and considers how ECEC services promote social inclusion, the respective contributions of curricula and pedagogical approaches, and what factors influence child outcomes.
• Early Years & Childcare International Evidence Project - Quality (Paper 4: October 2003)
  This paper focuses on quality, particularly regulation and quality assurance, in early childhood education and childcare. The paper answers questions about the definition and measurement of quality, approaches to regulation and quality assurance, staff: child ratios and parental involvement.
• Early Years & Childcare International Evidence Project - The Workforce (Paper 5: October 2003)
  This paper focuses on the workforce of early childhood education and childcare services in the selected countries. The main occupational models are outlined together with the levels of training attached to these occupations, and the roles and characteristics of staff are considered. The paper also discusses issues of pay, conditions of work and professional status.
• Early Years & Childcare International Evidence Project - Funding & Stainability (Paper 6: October 2003)
  This paper focuses on recent cross-national research in the field, to examine key aspects such as financing mechanisms, cost-effectiveness, subsidies for parents, incentives for employer contribution, and the costs of childcare supports.
• Early Years & Childcare International Evidence Project - Summary (Paper 7: October 2003)
  This paper summarises key findings from all the papers.