How policy implementation affected nursery education in Scotland between 1975 and 1996: A review of the careers of nursery head teachers

Abstract

SUMMARY Between 1975 and 1996, nursery education provision was developed in different ways across Scotland. National developments included the publication of school inspection reports and all nursery establishments were affected by an increased demand for written curriculum plans, reports and records. The controversial policy of one region to integrate education and social work nurseries affected one group of staff in particular. This paper studies the effects of the policies concerning nursery education of education authorities in three regions of Scotland on the head teachers of nursery schools and argues that there was a related negative effect on the quality of children's experience.