Growth is both rapid and differential.
A significantly high proportion of learning takes place from birth to age six. It is a time when children particularly need high quality care and learning experiences. The aim of the Government's early years policy is to provide a comprehensive range of services for young children. This includes integrated early years education and childcare provision which will make a positive contribution to children's early development, enabling them to build on this foundation throughout their lives, so providing a sound basis for lifelong learning. High quality care and education for young children will give parents peace of mind and help them to balance their work and family lives.