The Children in Scotland study of 28 European countries found that those with integrated early years and care systems (ECEC) had a higher qualified, better paid and more sustainable workforce, which improved children's outcomes.
Countries with fully integrated systems such as Denmark, Sweden and Finland were found to be more effective in reaching families with poor educational backgrounds. These countries also have a clear connection between parental leave policies, education and care, offering parents from 12 to 25 months of well-paid leave and the right to attend early years services with a well qualified workforce.
Countries with unintegrated or partially integrated ECEC systems were found to exacerbate inequalities, with poor levels of pay and limited access to services, especially for low income families.
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