Inconsistencies in regulation: the continuing story of Early Childhood Services

The inconsistencies of regulation and inspection in UK early childhood services are examined. The rationale and regulatory requirements for daycare put forward by the Department of Health are compared with those currently operating within the Department for Education and Employment for schools and nursery education. The policy frameworks within the two departments are based on different assumptions about practice and lead to major inconsistencies of delivery. A more coherent policy is needed to resolve these inconsistencies.