The Institute of Education at London University analysed OECD education surveys and UNESCO data from 33 countries. It found that while early years education does raise children's attainment levels at age 15, there is no evidence to suggest that it helps disadvantaged children more than their peers.
The analysis, by Professor Andy Green and Dr Tarek Mostafa, found no apparent relationship between pre-school participation rates and social gaps in pupils' later reading performance.
Professor Green said, 'Pre-school education benefits children from all social groups but does not appear to close the gap. There is no relationship between levels of participation in pre-school education and care at 15 and their attainment.'
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