Researchers from the University of London Institute of Education and Save the Children UK carried out a review of projects and programmes for children below school age in developing and transitional countries. In developing countries they found such programmes are often rooted in Western ideals of childhood and child rearing and can be inappropriate. In transitional countries, where there have usually been extensive kindergarten systems generally following a Soviet model there is a different debate about whether these should be closed or transformed in some way. The report probes the role of donors (UK-based agencies in particular) in promoting early childhood services. It surveys theoretical positions that could affect practice and presents ideas for shrewder policies.