The quality of preschools depends on where you live
The Independent online, 28/05/2014, Richard Garner
Children from poor backgrounds are at a double disadvantage if they go to private or voluntary nurseries and preschools, says a major study out today. The report, carried out by researchers from Oxford University and published by the Nuffield Foundation, shows that standards in the private sector in disadvantaged areas is of “lower quality” than in those settings serving more affluent homes. Sandra Mathers, lead author of the report, is quoted.
Youngsters in poor areas ‘failed by nurseries’
i (The paper for today), 28/05/2014, p.5, Richard Garner
Private nurseries in poor areas should employ graduates to boost standards, Oxford research claims
Times Education Supplement online, 28/05/2014, Helen Ward
Private nurseries in poorer areas should use extra government cash to hire graduates in a bid to raise standards, a University of Oxford study has revealed. It shows that private, voluntary and independent (PVI) nurseries were worse in poorer areas than their counterparts in wealthy parts of the country.
School nurseries ‘better for poorer pre-schoolers’
BBC News online, 28/05/2014, Katherine Sellgren
Disadvantaged pre-schoolers at private or voluntary nurseries in England receive poorer provision than those in school-based nurseries, according to researchers at the University of Oxford. The quality of school nurseries was equally good, sometimes better, in disadvantaged areas, the report says. The research, published by the Nuffield Foundation, puts the difference in provision quality down to the higher number of graduates in school settings. The study analysed data relating to 1,079 private, voluntary (non-profit-making) and independent nurseries and 169 state-maintained nursery schools in England. Lead author Sandra Mathers said: “This research highlights the challenges involved in ensuring that the children who most need good-quality early-years provision actually receive it. It is vital that we equip nurseries and pre-schools with the tools and support they need to help disadvantaged children overcome the odds and reach their full potential.”
Poorer children in private preschools at double disadvantage, according to Oxford Uni study
Jack FM, 28/05/2014
Interview with lead author of study, Sandra Mathers of the Department of Education at Oxford University.
The quality of preschools depends on where you live
Oxford Mail, p.6, 29/05/2014
Poor nursery provision fails disadvantaged children, report warns
Children and Young People Now, 28/05/2014, Laura McCardle
Private nurseries exaggerate attainment gap and flaws in careers advice
The Guardian online, Teacher Network, 30/05/2014, Rebecca Ratcliffe
A round-up of last week’s education news includes research from the University of Oxford which shows that the attainment gap between poor and wealthy children is being exacerbated by low-quality private nurseries which cluster in areas of deprivation. Researchers say that the poor quality may be down to a lack of graduate staff. Whereas all school classes are led by graduate-qualified teachers, less than half of private and voluntary nurseries employ a graduate, and only 8% employ more than one.
