Explore the data behind the Thrive by Five Index – the most comprehensive national survey of preschool child outcomes in South Africa. The Thrive by Five Index points us to where children need us most. Together, we can turn these insights into impact.
The Thrive by Five Index 2024 shows how young children are developing across three critical areas.
Explore the 2024 Thrive by Five Index data by selecting development indicators from the menu below.
The majority of children enrolled in ELPs are not yet on track in key areas of early learning by the age of four. The 2024 results show that 42% of children assessed are On Track, 28% are Falling Behind, and 30% are Falling Far Behind.
Overall Performance:
Source: Weighted estimates based on Thrive by Five Index 2024 data.
These specific domains were chosen because they cover key areas of early development and are strongly linked to longer-term learning outcomes. The results point to clear strengths and areas of concern, highlighting the need for focused interventions in domains such as fine motor skills and early numeracy.
Overall Performance:
Source: Weighted estimates based on Thrive by Five Index 2024 data.
This domain refers to large muscle movements such as running, jumping, balancing, and coordinated physical activity. These skills support children’s physical health, independence, and ability to engage in play and social interaction. Strong gross motor skills also lay the foundation for cognitive development and emotional well-being.
Overall Performance:
Source: Weighted estimates based on Thrive by Five Index 2024 data.
This domain looks at children’s ability to coordinate precise hand movements and hand–eye coordination. These skills are critical for everyday tasks such as buttoning clothes, drawing, writing, and copying shapes or letters. Strong visual–motor integration supports early literacy, numeracy, and overall school readiness.
Overall Performance:
Source: Weighted estimates based on Thrive by Five Index 2024 data.
This domain measures foundational mathematical skills including counting, number recognition, basic calculations, and identifying shapes and patterns. Early numeracy lays the groundwork for later mathematical understanding and plays a key role in cognitive development and academic success.
Overall Performance:
Source: Weighted estimates based on Thrive by Five Index 2024 data.
This domain covers key thinking skills like memory, attention, planning, problem-solving, and self-control. These abilities help children manage tasks, follow instructions, and navigate new situations. Strong executive functioning supports learning, emotional regulation, and is a known predictor of later success in reading and mathematics.
Overall Performance:
Source: Weighted estimates based on Thrive by Five Index 2024 data.
This domain assesses the child’s ability to communicate effectively. This includes their ability to speak in full sentences, recognise the initial sounds of words, name common objects, relay events and listen to and understand stories told to them. These are foundational for reading, writing, and learning, as well as for building social relationships and succeeding in school.
Overall Performance:
Source: Weighted estimates based on Thrive by Five Index 2024 data.
Stunting is when a child is too short for their age, based on international growth standards. It can be a sign of chronic malnutrition. Early stunting affects both body and brain development. By age four, moderately or severely stunted children lag on average five months behind their non-stunted peers in early learning.
Overall Performance:
Source: Weighted estimates based on Thrive by Five Index 2024 data.
This includes abilities such as participating effectively in group activities, resolving conflicts without aggression, and comfortably seeking support from familiar adults. Developing strong skills is crucial for preschool children, helping children build positive relationships and ask for assistance when needed.
Overall Performance:
Source: Weighted estimates based on Thrive by Five Index 2024 data.
This encompasses skills such as effectively communicating with adults, appropriately expressing needs and emotions, demonstrating independence, adapting to changes in routine at home or school, showing confidence in new situations, and initiating activities. Developing strong emotional skills is crucial for preschool children, helping children adapt to new environments, manage emotions constructively, and foster resilience
Overall Performance:
Source: Weighted estimates based on Thrive by Five Index 2024 data.
Explore our research and insights on early childhood development.
The Thrive by Five Index is a collaborative effort made possible by the dedication, expertise, and generosity of many individuals and organisations.
The 2024 survey was led by the Department of Basic Education and coordinated by DataDrive2030, with support from the FirstRand Foundation, the LEGO Foundation, This Day Foundation, and Yellowwoods.
We recognise the profound responsibility that comes with collecting and interpreting data about children’s lives. We are deeply committed to ensuring that the Thrive by Five Index is fully leveraged to accelerate progress for young children across South Africa.
