This systematic review synthesises global evidence from academic and grey literature published between 2015 and 2025, examining effective policies and interventions aimed at increasing early childhood care and education participation across diverse country contexts, with a focus on equity dimensions such as gender, disability, socio-economic status and geographic location.

This review aims to assist researchers and project teams in early childhood education and care (ECEC) to draw on the available evidence when planning interventions. It also aims to set evidence-based suggestions for future research on ECEC interventions in these contexts.