The Thrive by Five Index 2024 offers the most comprehensive overview of ECD in South Africa. The main findings can be summarised according to the four categories below. Please use the links below to download the full report and read more.
1. The “60% Gap”
The most significant finding is that less than half (43.4%) of South African children aged 4–5 are developmentally on track. This means nearly 6 out of 10 children will start Grade 1 at a disadvantage, lacking the emotional, cognitive, or physical foundations needed to succeed.
2. The Nutrition-Learning Link
The report identifies stunting (chronic malnutrition) as a primary barrier to education.
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The Impact: 1 in 4 children are stunted.
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The Result: Stunted children score significantly lower in every developmental area. You cannot fix the “learning crisis” without first addressing the “nutrition crisis.”
3. Domains of Greatest Need
While children are tested in five areas, two show the most significant decline or lag:
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Fine Motor Development: Essential for learning to write.
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Early Numeracy: The foundation for mathematics. These are the areas where ECD practitioners need the most support and resources.
4. Quality Over Infrastructure
A vital takeaway for centres with limited funding: The type of building matters less than the quality of interaction. Children in “shack” schools with highly engaged, trained practitioners often perform better than those in brick-and-mortar centres with poor teaching practices.
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT HERE: TB5-Main-Report_FINAL
READ MORE HERE: https://thrivebyfive.co.za
