Closing the Gap in Access to Free 'Universal' Early Education: What Types of Provision Can Help Low-Income Families Participate?

Explores factors associated with low-income families’ lesser take-up of free ‘universal’ pre-schooling.

The income-gap is smaller in areas with more state-maintained rather than private sector provision.

Predominance of Sure Start is associated with longer access for all children, low and higher-income, and related to a reduced income-gap.