The Study of Early Education and Development into the value for money of early education tracked the progress of around 6,000 children, finding that early education at age two had a significant impact on language and socio-emotional development when children were assessed at age three.
The study estimated that if this resulted in attainment by age seven then the financial benefits over their life, through reducing the risk of truancy and exclusion, higher earnings and reducing the cost of special educational need support, would be around £60,000 per child.
The benefits of early education and care were found regardless of a child's family level of disadvantage.
The study found that education and care with childminders at age two had a significant positive effect on children's language development and behaviour at the age of three.
Meanwhile, group-based settings such as nurseries and playgroups were also shown to have positive effects on children's socio-emotional development including how well they get along with other children.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
