research report

Towards universal early years provision: analysis of take-up by disadvantaged families from recent annual childcare surveys

Report that reflects the coalition government’s commitment to continue work on identifying barriers to the uptake of early years provision among the most disadvantaged three and four year olds as an important means of reducing educational and socio-economic inequality (Gove 2010). The study uses data from the 2008 and 2009 surveys in the Childcare and Early Years Survey of Parents series.

A study of children's perspectives on the quality of their experiences in early years provision

Thesis that presents a study of three and four year-old children attending preschool at a time of rapid expansion of this phase of education. There is strong evidence that the quality of the experience is the determining factor in the long term effectiveness of early years provision. However, quality is a contested concept with a range of viewpoints, defined by different stakeholders including children.

How can early years services improve access and transition into early years settings and primary schools for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children?

Research project that explored how interagency working could put such policy and guidance into practice and considered what this work might look like at grassroots level. It used a mixed-method approach comprising action research and quantitative analysis of questionnaires completed by research practitioners. The methodology was found to be effective as it supported the aims and objectives of the research. It also empowered the researchers and the research participants developing practice.

Risk and the Big Society

Paper that has two distinct but related aims. First, it seeks to draw attention to what seems a neglected set of questions in an otherwise familiar debate about risk and regulation. In short, it argues that thinking about regulation, at least as it applies to public policy, is too often framed as a simple choice between risk and regulation, with little thought given to non-regulatory ways of managing risk.

Out of sight: stopping the neglect and abuse of people with a learning disability

Report that tells the stories of James, Chrissy, Joe, Emmanuel and Victoria. Each section tells a part of their stories through the words of their families. It documents their experiences of not getting the right care locally, how they ended up in assessment and treatment units, what happened to them there and where they are now.

Improving development outcomes for children through effective practice in integrating early years services (Research Review 3)

Review that aims to provide the reader with a clearer understanding of integrated service provision in the early years and the policy behind it. It was carried out by the Institute of Education on behalf of the Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Children and Young People’s Services (C4EO).

Improving development outcomes for children through effective practice in integrating early years services (Knowledge Review 3)

Knowledge review that tells us what works in integrating early years services. It is based on a rapid review of the research literature involving systematic searching, analysis of key data, validated local practice examples and views from people using services and providers. It summarises the best available evidence that will help service providers to improve services and, ultimately, outcomes for children, young people and their families.