This paper reports the early stages of a 3-year evaluation of the Early Intervention Programme in Scotland. The Early Intervention Programme is a high-profile government initiative which receives major government funding (60 million pounds sterling over 5 years) and is designed to improve standards of literacy and numeracy in the first 2 years of primary school. The paper presents some early findings. Firstly, it illustrates the range of early intervention schemes, and explores the extent to which these represent different understanding of the overall purpose of the programme. Secondly, the paper draws upon survey data gathered on stakeholders' perceptions of the impact of the Early Intervention Programme as it develops. The stakeholders include headteachers, class teachers, learning support teachers and classroom assistants, as well as educational psychologists and local authority personnel who have played a significant role in the design and/or implementation of schemes in their area. (RS)