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<p>Formal school starting ages vary across OECD member states. However it is useful
to compare the state provision of education for young children prior to the start
of compulsory education as the majority of children in OECD countries have entered
the education system at a young age - participation rates in formal childcare and
pre-school are broadly similar across Finland, Norway and the United Kingdom.</p><p>
</p><p>Research indicates that most countries have published curricula governing the
provision of early years education from the ages four to six years which are consistent
in their use of learning objectives and expected outcomes. The Department has commissioned
the OECD to carry out an international review of pedagogy and practice in the early
years to investigate this issue further. We anticipate a report in autumn 2014.</p><p>
</p><p>Research has demonstrated that all-round development is enhanced for those
children attending nursery compared to those who don't before starting school. This
suggests that attending a formal learning environment from an earlier age is typically
beneficial. Furthermore duration in nursery matters, with every month of nursery experience
after age two years linked to better intellectual development and improved independence,
concentration and sociability at age five with a continued effect at Key Stage 1.</p><p>
</p><p>High quality early years education will help close the attainment gap that
already exists by the beginning of primary school between disadvantaged children and
their peers. Evidence is clear that children's learning and development in their early
years is crucial to later attainment. The Effective Provision of Pre-School Education
Project found that high quality early years education is a strong predictor of achievement
in English and mathematics later on in school.</p><p> </p><p>We cannot provide the
information requested on representations on this topic. The Department receives a
huge volume of mail and representations on education and children's issues. There
would be a disproportionate cost to providing a response in this case.</p><p> </p>
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