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NAO report highlights the need for robust analysis of the impact of early years support
02 March 2016Commenting on the National Audit Report published today (Tuesday 2 March) on the entitlement to free education and childcare and discussed on today’s Prime Minister’s Questions, Sue Robb, Head of Early Years at 4Children said:
This NAO report rightly identifies the need for further analysis to track the impact of the Government’s substantial investment in the extension of free childcare entitlement for three and four year olds.
The SEED (Study of Education and Development) research being carried out by 4Children; Natcen Social Research; Oxford University and Frontier Economics will help to shed light on this – analysing the long term impact of early education on child development and school readiness, and assessing the value of Government’s investment.
Professor Edward Melhuish, lead academic for SEED said:We know that the early years of a child’s life form the basis of their success later on. The SEED project will ensure sound research is at the heart of policy and practice.”
The new SEED study will throw light on the success of the new entitlement to a free part-time early education for two year olds for the 40% poorest families. Also it will reveal how different patterns of early education and childcare impact upon children's development across the population."