News

World's poorest children missing out on early years education

Eight in 10 of the world’s poorest children – almost 50 million boys and girls - are missing out on pre-primary education because of a chronic lack of funding, a report launched today warns.
Covid-19 has exacerbated the global crisis in education for the poorest children PHOTO  © UNICEF / Dejongh. Children attending class in the Koubia Kindergarten, in Niamey, the capital of Niger
Covid-19 has exacerbated the global crisis in education for the poorest children PHOTO © UNICEF / Dejongh. Children attending class in the Koubia Kindergarten, in Niamey, the capital of Niger

Spending on pre-primary education accounts for less than 1 per cent of the international community’s aid to education - equivalent to just 34 cents per child, per year - according to analysis by Cambridge University academics for global children’s charity Theirworld. 

Research shows that pre-primary education is crucial to a child’s development and children who miss out on early years learning fall behind even before they start primary school. Children enrolled in at least one year of pre-primary education are more likely to develop critical skills and are less likely to drop out of school. 

Despite this, spending on pre-primary education remains consistently low, with donors on average committing 37 times more to post-secondary education, the analysis shows. Eight of the world’s top 30 donors to education give nothing to pre-primary education, including the Netherlands, Sweden, Qatar and Saudi Arabia [see graph].

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here



Nursery World Jobs

Senior Nursery Manager

Bournemouth, Dorset

Early Years Adviser

Sutton, London (Greater)

Nursery Manager

Norwich, Norfolk

Nursery Manager

Poole, Dorset