An Evaluation of the English Nursery Voucher Scheme 1996–1997

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.