“The Social Investment Case for Early Intervention” which puts forward the case for investing in early intervention in the education sector.

Through extensive research and consultancy work within the field of education, it has become evident to us at TSIC that whilst there are many programmes and areas that require and are suitable for external investment, early childhood development (ECD) programmes have the potential for the greatest impact on disadvantaged pupils. Early interventions can be much more effective and worthwhile than later interventions because the cost of supporting those with problems increases with age whilst interventions are less effective when they do not build on earlier investments, so value is lost exponentially.

This research piece briefly sets up the current landscape of the education sector and explores some of the innovative financial instruments routinely being used by social investors, their benefits and limitations. The research then focuses on the commissioning landscape for ECD programmes, highlighting how despite the extensive evidence available, they are typically underfunded.

We hope this briefing will interest you and generate much-needed discussion in the education and social investment space. We look forward in the near future to answering and hearing some answers to these questions – we think addressing these concerns will be pivotal to improving perceptions, availability and uptake of social investment.