The use of such data by the OECD is without prejudice to the status of the Golan Heights, East Jerusalem and Israeli settlements in the West Bank under the terms of international law. There is strong evidence that favourable circumstances very early on in childhood support the development of the critical cognitive, emotional and social skills that provide the foundations for success in school and life. Disadvantaged children, who are more likely to face poor learning environments at home, therefore stand to gain the most from access to quality ECEC services, enabling them to start school on an equal footing to their wealthier peers.