The policy domain of childhood education and care (ECEC) has experienced a huge surge of attention in recent years. However, while national governments have forged ahead with a range of policy initiatives, little comparative research has been undertaken. At the conclusion of its thematic review into ECEC policy and provision in 2006, the OECD called...

The Early Years Learning Framework describes the principles, practice and outcomes essential to support and enhance young children’s learning from birth to five years of age, as well as their transition to school. The Framework has a strong emphasis on play-based learning as play is the best vehicle for young children’s learning providing the most...

Through a staged collaborative process, ARACY’s ‘Child readiness to learn’ project aims to identify the points of intervention where most benefit will be achieved in reducing the impact of poverty on children’s ability to learn.

One of the most decisive findings of behavioural and social research has been the economic and social benefits of early education. The scale of those benefits will be outlined after examining the factors that enhance, or impede, a good beginning to children's education. The common ground is children’s readiness to learn in their earliest years...

Between 2001 and 2006 the health workforce and community services workforce increased by 22.8% and 35.6% respectively. This report also contains information on geographical distribution, country of birth and qualifications held.