International Review of Quality in Early Childhood Education (2004)

In consultation with the CECDE, the CSER chose seven countries for inclusion within the review. These were chose to attain a good representation of particular models of ECCE provision internationally. The countries profiled are Germany, Italy, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Sweden, Norway and New Zealand. It was considered important to include Northern Ireland by virtue of our geographical proximity and our aspiration towards enhanced harmonisation of policies under the Good Friday Agreement.

Following an outline of the context of the review and a brief analysis of the complexity of the concept of quality in ECCE, each country is profiled individually. Owing to the variations in structure and operation of ECCE provision in all countries, the review is presented within a broad framework.