Case Studies
Early childhood educational inequality and 5 National Case Studies
In this section, which draws on STRIDE empirical research, we present examples of policy interventions that aim to address early childhood educational inequality across five national contexts: Denmark, Norway, Hungary, Poland, and the UK.
Each case study presents a detailed and straightforward analysis of different policy solutions in ECE developed to mitigate educational inequality and uses the policy cycle model as an analytical framework.
Each case study offers additional information on insights from key stakeholders, barriers and enablers, and transfer potential of presented ECE policy solutions.
In result, policymakers and knowledge brokers are provided with the evidence-based framework that can support navigating the process of designing, implementing and evaluating interventions in ECE in their countries more effectively.
On the map below you can click the markers to read a short overview of the case studies from Denmark, Norway, Hungary, Poland, and England.
Methodology
Each national case study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative analyses of longitudinal data with qualitative insights from interviews with policymakers and detailed media analyses.
This methodological approach provides a comprehensive examination of measurable policy effects and political and social phenomena, both of which are crucial for a multidimensional understanding of diverse early childhood education policies.
Case study overview
Version 1: Click on the markers to read a short resumé about the reform. Click the link to go to the full national case study.
Version 2: Click the country name to read the full country case report.
| Country / Criteria | England | Poland | Hungary | Norway | Denmark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Reform | Targeted early-intervention programme in disadvantaged areas | Gradual universal expansion of preschool access | Universal attendance mandate from age 3 | Targeted free hours for low-income & immigrant families | Universal mandatory language screening for preschool-aged children |
| Primary Policy Goals | Improve early development; support families; reduce deprivation | Increase access, especially in rural & poorer regions | Promote early enrolment, reduce inequalities, support social integration | Increase ECEC participation among disadvantaged/immigrant families; support language development | Identify early language delays; support school readiness; reduce early gaps |
National case studies - read online or download (Embed Press)
National case studies - download (FileDeck Library)
All categories
| Title | Size | Download |
|---|---|---|
| D2.1 Policy Analysis Report (complete) | 6.9 MB | Download |
| D3.1 Trends In Inequalities Report (complete) | 3.0 MB | Download |
| D5.1 Mitigating Inequality in Educational Outcomes | 4.6 MB | Download |
| Denmark Case Study Report (5.1 – Chapter 5) | 683 KB | Download |
| England Case Study Report (5.1 – Chapter 1) | 799 KB | Download |
| WP5 Denmark National Case For WP6 | 333 KB | Download |
| WP5 Hungary National Case | 630 KB | Download |
| WP5 Norway National Case | 253 KB | Download |
| WP5 Poland National Case | 348 KB | Download |
| WP5 UK National Case | 626 KB | Download |
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