Extended pre-school provision for vulnerable 2-year-olds pilot programme

This Scottish Government report presents the findings of an evaluation of the 'Extended Pre-School Provision for Vulnerable Two Year Olds Pilot Programme' on child development and parents. The pilot programme took place in three local authority areas in Scotland and aimed to provide positive pre-school experiences one year early for vulnerable children, as well as supporting their parents.

The researchers collected data from a number of sources, including children, parents, early years centres and local authorities. The children and parents involved in the pilot were compared with a group of children and parents who did not receive this support. The research found that parents in the pilot showed improved parenting capacity compared to parents in the comparison group. In addition, children involved in the pilot showed improved developmental outcomes. However, the children from the comparison group also showed improved outcomes.