§ 31. Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps his Department is taking to evaluate European best practice in early years learning. [123366]
§ Ms HodgeThe research and evaluation division of my Department maintains a watching brief on research which is being undertaken in other European countries, to assess good practice in early years learning and to inform the development of policy in this country. We are participating currently in a Thematic Review of Early Childhood Education and Care Policy, which is being undertaken by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The OECD review will compare practice in 12 countries, including the UK, and is expected to publish its report in 2001. The report will provide objective commentary on policy and practice in the UK, within an international context.