Evaluation of Doubling Down Programme

Rocket Science were commissioned by London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) to evaluate their Doubling Down Programme. Funded from private sector investment, it doubled the Government-funded hours of early childhood education and care for its most vulnerable children. Raising childcare from 15 hours per week to up to 30 hours and providing a daily hot meal. Covid-19 had a big impact on these children as they were already in need, arriving at nursery “hungry, anxious and developmentally delayed”. To understand the impact of the programme, Rocket Science analysed attendance and learning and development data. We also interviewed nursery staff and parents to capture the impact that they felt it had on them and their children. We found that Doubling Down had really made a difference and there was promising evidence on increased childcare provision and positive development. We produced an engaging visual summary report which you can read here.