This article was published with two errors. The correct text follows:

• On page 12, paragraph 4, lines 1 and 2 should read: ‘In most Länder at least one year of childcare before school is provided free of charge.’

• On page 18, line 7 should read: ‘The conditions of availability and affordability are broadly met in all three countries: participation is near universal (95% to 100%) and full- or part-time provision is often available free of charge.’

The authors apologise for these errors.