Description:
This study explored whether programs serving 3- and 4-year old children in disadvantaged areas were of comparable quality to those being offered to their advantaged peers. Secondary analysis was used based on data from previous research gathered between 2007 and 2013 from 1,248 early providers in England. Findings indicate that the quality of the government-maintained schools in disadvantaged areas was comparable to that of schools across the board. However, lower quality was discovered within the private voluntary and independent (PVI) sector, particularly in the areas of literacy and language support and provision for a diversified population. A smaller gap in quality was found when PVI settings maintained a well-qualified staff, regardless of its locale and users. Recommendations include the support of graduate leadership and a staff requirement qualification of Level 3 (A-level standard), training in meeting the needs of users with diverse backgrounds within the PVI settings, and continued data collection regarding setting quality characteristics and setting users.
Resource Type:
Reports & Papers
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Country:
United Kingdom;
England