Nursery World - Wrestling with quality

What do policy makers mean when they talk about quality in the early years? Michael Pettavel examines the evidence

There have been many surveys and studies published since the announcement of the new Early Years Funding Formula and the 30 hours offer. So many headlines and sometimes so contradictory. Looking beyond the headlines is a struggle with the demands of the day job. In my conspiracy theory moments, it all feels a bit ‘loaded’.

I want to question what are we basing our definition of ‘quality’ on? In the LSE study it was on final attainment. The Development Matters aspect of the EYFS is often the basis on which children’s progress and attainment is measured – leading to an assumption that the highest attainment shows the greatest quality.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included