Editor's view

The report into the UK's early childhood education and care system by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (see News, page 4) has been ready for publication since February. Nothing appeared for general consumption, although the odd copy was spotted being eagerly thumbed through at gatherings of leading early years experts. Perhaps it was the report's criticism of certain aspects of recent Government initiatives that prompted the DfEE to hold back. The report is now out just before the international conference that will discuss the findings of the investigations in 12 countries. And it is opportune that publication has come just as the Labour Government begins its second term. While the OECD's findings - praise for the money and focus given the early years, criticism of the lack of integrated policy for the whole birth-to-five period - are ones that have already been voiced by leaders in the UK field, it is interesting to see these views reinforced by an international team comparing countries as diverse as Australia, Finland and Italy. Scotland's approach is yet again cited as one that could hold some lessons for the rest of the UK.