‘Quality’ in Early Childhood Programmes — a contextually appropriate approach

This article concerns the basis for decision‐making about quality in early childhood. The rapid growth in programmes throughout the world sets a challenge for our understanding of what constitutes ‘quality’. An attractive starting point is universalist assumptions about children's nature, needs and development and about the environment that can best promote their growth. I challenge this view, arguing that quality is relative, but it is not arbitrary. Perspectives on quality depend on a framework of knowledge, beliefs and values about childhood and child development, especially the goals and functions of early childhood programmes. This framework is in turn shaped by economic, educational and cultural context. By drawing on the concept of developmental niche, there is scope for reaching a more contextually appropriate view on quality. This article is based on a paper given at the Second Warwick International Early Years Conference, March 1996. It summarises the final report of the Bernard van Leer Foundation' ‘Environment of the Child’ project. The full report is: WOODHEAD, M. (1996) In Search of the Rainbow: pathways to quality in large-scale programmes for young disadvantaged children (The Hague, Bernard van Leer Foundation). It can be obtained on request from: Bernard van Leer Foundation, PO Box 82334, 2508 EH The Hague, The Netherlands.