Spatial and Data-Driven Analysis of Quality and Access in Funded Early Learning and Childcare Provision in Scotland: Technical Data & Intelligence Project using R, GIS and Interactive Dashboarding

TY - GEN

T1 - Spatial and Data-Driven Analysis of Quality and Access in Funded Early Learning and Childcare Provision in Scotland

T2 - Technical Data & Intelligence Project using R, GIS and Interactive Dashboarding

AU - Forghaniallahabadi, Maryam

PY - 2026

Y1 - 2026

N2 - This technical project presents an integrated spatial and statistical analysis of funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) provision in Scotland. Multiple national datasets were cleaned, harmonized, and joined to examine inspection quality, deprivation (SIMD), urban–rural classification (UR8), service capacity, and geographic accessibility. The analysis combines R-based data science, advanced visualization, and GIS spatial modeling, including a 1 km accessibility buffer around high-quality ELC settings to identify coverage gaps in deprived areas. Results demonstrate strong overall quality performance across Scotland, high equity of provision relative to deprivation, and spatially concentrated pockets of underserved communities. An interactive Shiny dashboard was developed to support evidence-based decision-making for policy and planning, enabling dynamic exploration of quality patterns, geographic disparities, and service characteristics.

AB - This technical project presents an integrated spatial and statistical analysis of funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) provision in Scotland. Multiple national datasets were cleaned, harmonized, and joined to examine inspection quality, deprivation (SIMD), urban–rural classification (UR8), service capacity, and geographic accessibility. The analysis combines R-based data science, advanced visualization, and GIS spatial modeling, including a 1 km accessibility buffer around high-quality ELC settings to identify coverage gaps in deprived areas. Results demonstrate strong overall quality performance across Scotland, high equity of provision relative to deprivation, and spatially concentrated pockets of underserved communities. An interactive Shiny dashboard was developed to support evidence-based decision-making for policy and planning, enabling dynamic exploration of quality patterns, geographic disparities, and service characteristics.

KW - Data Science

KW - Spatial analysis

KW - Data-driven policy

KW - Scotland

KW - GIS

KW - Deprivation analysis

UR - https://github.com/mforghani775-creator/Technical-Data-Intelligence-Project-using-R

M3 - Other contribution

PB - University of Dundee

ER -