Scoping review on same-age and mixed-age groups in early childhood education and care

This study delves into the area of age group composition in Early Childhood Education and Care, as group composition emerges as an important factor shaping process quality in ECEC. Through a scoping review of 39 studies from 1980 onwards, we explore the implications of same-age and mixed-age groupings for children from birth until compulsory primary school age. Several studies demonstrate positive effects, yet there is a prevailing agreement that additional attention should be directed towards the oldest children in mixed-age groups, as they appear to be adversely affected. While theories suggest advantages for both mixed-age and same-age groups, research outcomes point to positive, negative, or no effects. This review highlights several elements that hamper a full understanding of the implications of age group composition. The current body of research presents a mosaic of contradictory findings, with insufficient attention to the youngest children and a lack of contextualisation.