Belief in the benefits young children derive from nursery education remains largely subordinate to the belief that young children should spend the majority of their time at home with their mothers. However in the next decade it is likely that more women will be encouraged to participate in the workforce. Will current discussions and policies result in day-care expansion as a response to the needs of industry, rather than those of the children and their families? Or will parents take this opportunity to demand a good "care" and "education" system for their under fives, and for under fives of their future - an educare system?

Tricia David examines the historical and social factors which have acted as brakes on the development of comprehensive and coordinated pre-school provision. She explores the issues which must be addressed in ensuring that equality of opportunity begins with the under-fives, the importance of continuity, the formation of attachments and the roles of parents and pre-school workers.