Nursery World - Pre-school 'better than staying home'

Clear evidence has emerged that children who have access to pre-school education do better at school at the age of seven than children who stay at home. The latest findings from the long-term study Effective Provision of Pre-School Education (EPPE), carried out by researchers from the Institute of Education and Birkbeck College, University of London, and the University of Oxford, show that the earlier children have access to high-quality early education the better they perform later.

The latest findings from the long-term study Effective Provision of Pre-School Education (EPPE), carried out by researchers from the Institute of Education and Birkbeck College, University of London, and the University of Oxford, show that the earlier children have access to high-quality early education the better they perform later.

Professor Kathy Sylva, who leads the research team, said it is 'fully integrated centres, those closest to children's centres' - providing care, education, health and family support - that 'really give children the best boost of all'.

Disadvantaged children also gain significant developmental benefits from attending pre-school, especially if they attend centres alongside children from different social backgrounds.

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