ABSTRACT
This chapter illuminates the neglected geographical dimensions of the problems of pre-school provision. There are three basic reasons for a geographical perspective upon the distribution of public services. The first reason is because of jurisdictional partitioning — the division of nations into local governmental or administrative units and the consequent inequalities in service provision levels between these areas. The second reason is because of 'tapering' — the decline in the use of point specific facilities within these local areas with increasing distance from the facilities. Third, there are the problems of the positive and negative externalities imposed upon areas by the desirable or undesirable aspects of service infrastructure. The chapter describes basic patterns of provision at various scales, and considers explanations for these patterns. The discussion is based primarily upon the British experience, although reference will be made to North America and other nations where relevant.
