Early learning and childcare expansion programme: evaluation strategy

7. Outputs

7.1.1. Baseline data on many of the measures described in Sections 3 and 4 on the ELC workforce, quality, accessibility, flexibility and affordability of ELC was published in the 2017 Evaluation Report. Descriptive analysis from each phase of the SSELC baseline data collection has been published: the Phase 1 report was published in August 2019,^[81] the Phase 2 report in August 2020^[82] and the Phase 3 report in December 2020.^[83] Reports on other outputs related to additional proposed research will be published as they are finalised.

7.1.2. A SSELC baseline 'synthesis' report will be published in 2022 drawing together the SSELC baseline data on child, parent and family outcomes across phases 1-3, and presenting new analysis on children's development and family wellbeing. An Interim Evaluation Report is planned in early 2024. The interim report will include analysis reporting on the intermediate outcomes, and on the sector and workforce, using the latest available data and findings from relevant qualitative and survey research to provide an evidence-based picture of how things stand during the first year after full implementation of 1140.

7.1.3. Similarly, the Final Evaluation Report will present findings from analysis of the full SSELC dataset on changes in child, parent and family outcomes. Alongside this would be analysis reporting on changes in the take up, quality, and accessibility of funded ELC, and in the sector and workforce, using data from 2023-24 to align with the SSELC. The Final Evaluation Report is due to be published in late 2025.

7.1.4. Scoping on measuring child and parent outcomes (see Section 5) also outlined some possible options for how we could continue to understand the impact of ELC on child outcomes longer term using routine data collections i.e. the new ELC Census, data collected by Health Visitors, and possible data linkage with school and health data. This work is at an early stage of development. Scottish Government Children and Families Analysis and PHS will undertake further scoping work to fully consider the feasibility, acceptability, data protection implications etc. of options for longer term monitoring.