Best Start in Life Part 1: Setting the Scene

This document describes an evaluation of the impact of early years education in England on children up to age 4, emphasizing the significance of quality education for their future success and well-being. The evaluation method includes a literature review and the application of cognitive science principles. Findings suggest that early education is particularly beneficial for disadvantaged children and those with special needs, highlighting the importance of a structured curriculum, enriched play, and quality adult-child interactions. The evaluation also notes the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on child development and calls for enhanced support and professional development for educators. Additionally, the document assesses various early childhood interventions aimed at improving executive function, language, literacy, and social-emotional skills. Results underscore the importance of positive adult interactions and a well-sequenced curriculum for school readiness. The document concludes with recommendations for early interventions and quality interactions to foster children's development and invites feedback to refine the GOV.UK website, referencing the Open Government Licence v3.0 for available resources. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Impact evaluation
• Impact methods: Generic research method
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: October 2022

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Links to published evaluations (DEBUGGING): No final report link found.
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes