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The International Public Policy Observatory finds, distils and shares the best global evidence for policy practice across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Latest Articles

  1. Local Government Fiscal Constraint in Scotland: Risk and Resilience

    Local Government Fiscal Constraint in Scotland: Risk and Resilience

    October 11, 2024

    Rob Richardson In September 2024, the Centre for Public Policy brought together government, the voluntary sector, and academic expertise from across Scotland for a roundtable discussion. Our aim was to understand how local government in Scotland is responding to the current challenging fiscal context, and to share perspective and practice on the potential ways forward through difficult times. Participants were asked to consider two broad themes of ‘risk’ and ‘resilience’, to identify the key risks faced by local government and consider ways in which those risks could be mitigated.   Several key ideas...

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  2. Preschool abilities and child development related editable stroke outline icons set isolated on white background flat vector illustration.

    How Policy Can Increase Access to Early Years Childcare Support for Ethnic Minority Families

    October 1, 2024

    Alexis Palá, Amanda Hill-Dixon, Urte Macikene Increasing access to early childhood education and care (ECEC) among Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic children and families in Wales Increasing access to early childhood education and care (ECEC) is a global priority as it is seen as key for tackling and preventing a range of inequalities. As well as removing financial barriers and increasing the availability of ECEC, governments must address cultural, social and structural barriers to increase access among Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic children and families.   Since November 2023, the Wales Centre for...

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  3. Kindergarten panoramic view. Nursery playroom, preschool classroom with toys on floor scene. Play group, children room interior with nobody. Empty daycare class background.

    Early Education as Vital Social Infrastructure

    September 24, 2024

    Lucie Stephens Like healthcare, transport, or the broader education system, early education is essential for the functioning of society and the economy. Research, such as the Royal Foundation’s “Shaping Us” campaign, highlights that the first five years of life are crucial for brain development, with 80% of brain growth occurring in the first 1,001 days. High-quality early years provision supports children during their most critical developmental period. Quality early education contributes significantly to a child’s cognitive, physical, and emotional development. It also provides parents with tools to support their children’s learning and...

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