They warn that this “dysfunctional” approach to early years policy has created a “complex and confusing system” that does not meet the objectives of governments.
The research by the Nuffield Foundation highlights how the focus of policy has shifted from using early years to support children’s development and reducing inequality to increasing access to work.
Researchers want to see a “whole-system review” of early years in England that is focused on affordability, improving quality as well as better training and pay for nursery workers and childminders.
An overhauled early years system also needs to ensure it is making a “a particular difference to the lives of disadvantaged children”.
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