Parents must be on side

By Gillian Penlington, education researcher at the Social Market Foundation The Government has recognised that it makes sense to focus on the early years. In England it has provided universal nursery provision for all four-year-olds, with a pledge that this will be extended to three-year-olds from September 2004. The Sure Start programme, which promotes the physical, intellectual and social development of young children is to be expanded to include expectant mothers. Early Excellence Centres and Neighbourhood Nurseries are to integrate early education, childcare and family support services. But the success of all these initiatives depends on getting parents involved. It...