Measuring what matters. Mobilising what works.
The early years shape a child’s future. By turning insight into action, we can open doors of opportunity for every child.
About the Thrive by Five Index
The Thrive by Five Index is South Africa’s most comprehensive national survey of preschool child outcomes. Conducted every three years, it measures how four-year-old children are developing and what influences their progress across early learning, physical growth, and social-emotional functioning.
The Index first launched in 2021, and four rounds are planned by 2030. Each round covers all nine provinces and reflects the diverse realities of South Africa’s children.
The Thrive by Five Index enables key stakeholders to align efforts and amplify their impact for young children in South Africa.
Latest Insights & News
Explore all the knowledge generated through the Thrive by Five Index – from national reports and technical documents to presentations, insights, and practical actions.
Thrive by Five Index 2024: National Findings
This report presents the national findings from the Thrive by Five Index 2024 and is organised into four sections, each
Thrive by Five Index 2024: Technical Report
The South Africa Thrive by Five Index produces indicators on key child outcomes – Early Learning, Social and Emotional Functioning
Thrive by Five Index 2024: Recommendations Brief: Evidence to Action
The 2024 Index offers a clear overview of how young children in South Africa are developing in three key areas:
Why the Thrive by Five Index Matters
Provides the data South Africa needs to help every child thrive.
The first five years of life are a time of extraordinary growth. In these early years, children’s development is shaped by the environments they live, learn, and play in. Supportive settings at home, in learning programmes, and in communities can set children on a lifelong path to health, learning, and emotional wellbeing.
Yet South Africa has lacked reliable national data on whether young children are getting the support they need. The Thrive by Five Index fills that gap; it gives government, funders, and implementers a shared evidence base to guide early learning investments and policy decisions.
The Thrive by Five Index directly supports South Africa’s goal of achieving universal access to quality early learning by 2030.
What the Thrive by Five Index Sets Out to Do
More than data, the Index is a catalyst for change
The Thrive by Five Index determines how many children in early learning programmes are developmentally on track across three key domains: early learning, physical growth, and social and emotional functioning. It also tracks how these outcomes differ by income, gender, and geography, helping to highlight inequalities and challenges faced by children in different contexts.
In addition, the Index identifies the strongest predictors of healthy child development, monitors South Africa’s progress toward both local and global developmental goals, and guides meaningful action to improve outcomes for all children.
The Thrive by Five Index shows how young children are developing, why it matters, and where action is needed to give every child a fair start.
The Early Learning Landscape in South Africa
1.2 Million 4 year olds in SA
68% of 4-year olds live in poverty
ELPs are mostly private and NGO run
60% ELP attendance
SA commitment to expand access & quality
Bana Pele
A national commitment to put children first
A coordinated effort is needed to expand access to quality early learning, so that more children can start school On Track.
Index 2024 Reports & Recommendations
Explore our research and insights on early childhood development.
