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Blog Articles from IPPO

  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. 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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  3. Illustration of children running well

    Roma Children: International Approaches to Improving Participation in Early Years Childcare and Education

    September 16, 2024

    Research suggests that high-quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) can have a positive and long-lasting effect on children's outcomes, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and parents’ ability to work and their quality of life. However, there is also evidence that children who stand to gain most, are least likely to access the funded entitlements.

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