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An Evaluation of the English Nursery Voucher Scheme 1996-1997

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  • Jo Sparkes
  • Anne West

Abstract

This paper presents an evaluation of the voucher scheme for 4-year-olds introduced during 1996-1997 in England and Wales. The scheme is evaluated in terms of its stated objectives of promoting parental choice, a diversity of providers and high standards of education. The overall findings suggest that the voucher scheme gave rise to unfair competition and 'voucher maximizing behaviour' in the maintained sector. It was also accompanied by inadequate information and quality-assurance mechanisms. It is concluded that the scheme failed to meet its objectives. The failure of the scheme can be attributed to the Conservative government's attempt to introduce too many aspects of the conventional market into the pre-school sector without giving adequate attention to the mechanisms necessary to ensure coordination and planning.

Suggested Citation

  • Jo Sparkes & Anne West, 1998. "An Evaluation of the English Nursery Voucher Scheme 1996-1997," Education Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 6(2), pages 171-184.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:edecon:v:6:y:1998:i:2:p:171-184
    DOI: 10.1080/09645299800000014
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    Cited by:

    1. Kitty Stewart, 2013. "Labour's Record on the Under Fives: Policy, Spending and Outcomes 1997 - 2010," CASE - Social Policy in a Cold Climate Working Paper 04, Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion, LSE.
    2. Yuen, Gail & Lam, Mei Seung, 2017. "Mothers' experiences of a voucher scheme within the context of Hong Kong's early education: Issues of affordability and justice," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 185-194.

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