Collective Learning Initiative: Outcomes-Based Financing for Early Childhood Care and Education

Collective Learning Initiative: Outcomes-Based Financing for Early Childhood Care and Education

Commissioned by the Education Outcomes Fund (EOF), the Collective Learning Initiative (CLI) on Outcomes-Based Financing for Early Childhood Care and Education (OBF4ECCE) aims to build and strengthen connections between stakeholders at the intersection of OBF and ECCE to enable and encourage peer-to-peer learning and collaboration.

The CLI research consortium comprises EOF, the Government Outcomes Lab at the University of Oxford, NORRAG of the Geneva Graduate Institute and Ecorys. The CLI engages with experts involved in past, ongoing and upcoming OBF4ECCE programmes to surface, analyse, and share experiences and produce an array of knowledge products.

The first phase of the CLI ran from January 2024 to October 2024. The CLI anticipates subsequent phases of expansion to support the evolution of a community of practice.  

Convening of Expert Stakeholders

Phase 1 of the CLI convened experts at the intersection of OBF and ECCE. Experts met three times, in March, June and September 2024. In March 2024, the research consortium introduced participants to the anticipated vision of the CLI and invited them to reflect on their experiences of engaging in OBF4ECCE programmes and to share their preferences for such a collaborative learning platform. In June 2024, Dr Mara Airoldi (Government Outcomes Lab) and Dr Arushi Terway (NORRAG) presented some emerging findings from the Evidence Review analysis before participants divided into three breakout discussion groups on the topics of metrics and measurement; strategies for government engagement; and trade-offs in design and implementation choices. The final convening, in September 2024, enabled expert stakeholders to delve deeper into facilitated conversations on measuring outcomes and costing and pricing outcomes for which participants were divided into the group of their choice. Subsequent phases of the CLI intend to continue such rich discussions amongst diverse OBF4ECCE stakeholders including practitioners, intermediaries, governments, researchers, and investors.

Knowledge Products

Evidence Review of Outcomes-Based Finance for Early Childhood Care and Education

Coming soon!

This evidence review takes stock of 22 documented, existing experiences of OBF4ECCE by surfacing, collating, and analysing available documents. Bilateral interviews, the convening of expert stakeholders, and the collective experience of the research team supplement the analysis. The review presents existing evidence and identifies substantial gaps in existing knowledge to inform the design of future programmes and research.

Suggested citation: Airoldi, M., Terway, A., Wooldridge, R., Thorne, G., Adams, L., Ronicle, J., Davies, J. and Anastasiu, A. (2024). Evidence review of outcomes-based finance for early childhood care and education. Collective Learning Initiative on Outcomes-Based Finance for Early Childhood Care and Education, Government Outcomes Lab, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.

Practice Note: Measuring Outcomes in Outcomes-Based Financing for Early Childhood Care and Education

Coming soon!

This practice note provides insights into the prominent issues and important considerations that need to be made for measurement in outcomes-based financing (OBF). It draws upon existing experience from OBF4ECCE projects at various stages of development, from design to implementation and completion.

Suggested citation: Thorne, G., Adams, L., & Terway, A. (2024). Practice note: Measuring outcomes in outcomes-based financing for early childhood care and education. Collective Learning Initiative on Outcomes-Based Finance for Early Childhood Care and Education, Government Outcomes Lab, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.

Pipeline OBF4ECCE Projects

Phase 1 of the CLI identified four upcoming, pipeline OBF4ECCE projects. These are:

• Northern Kenya Development Impact Bond
• Rwanda ECCE Outcomes Fund
• Sierra Leone ECCE Outcomes Fund
• South Africa ECCE Outcomes Fund

Learn more about these pipeline projects here.

Consortium Partners

The knowledge products were developed in partnership with the Education Outcomes Fund (EOF), a UNICEF-hosted fund, and with the support of the LEGO Foundation. The statements in these knowledge products are the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies or the views of EOF, UNICEF or the LEGO Foundation.