BBC News – Judith Burns
“The next government should focus on the quality of care and education received by young children, say campaigners. Politicians have concentrated on increasing the quantity of free childcare available but its quality is crucial, they say. In particular, funds should be targeted at quality provision for the poorest children, says the British Association for Early Childhood Education. They deserve more than good “care”, says an open letter from the group. “They need high quality, professionalised early educators,” the letter argues. “The evidence shows that children who benefit most from high quality early years provision are those whose families are struggling in the most challenging economic circumstances,” says the letter. It adds that the “substantial” economic and social benefits of good early education “are demonstrable for all society”.”(more)