2024
Thrive by Five Index
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.
Key Outcomes for Children in Early Learning Programmes
The Thrive by Five Index 2024 shows how young children are developing across three critical areas.
Early Learning Outcomes
42% - Children on Track
28% - Children Falling Behind
30% - Children Falling Far Behind
Social-Emotional Functioning
Physical Growth
7% - Moderately and severely stunted
2024 National Level Findings
Explore the 2024 Thrive by Five Index data by selecting development indicators from the menu below.
Early Learning
Early Learning total score
Early Learning - All Domains
Gross Motor Development
Fine Motor Coordination and Visual Motor Integration
Emergent Numeracy and Mathematics
Cognition and Executive Functioning
Emergent Literacy and Language
Early learning Total Score
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.
Early learning - All Domains
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.
Gross Motor Development (GMD)
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.
Fine Motor Coordination and Visual Motor Integration (FMC–VMI)
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.
Emergent Numeracy and Mathematics (ENM)
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.
Cognition and Executive Functioning (CEF)
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.
Emergent Literacy and Language (ELL)
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.
Physical Growth
Stunting
Stunting
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.
Social-Emotional Functioning
Social Relations with Peers and Adults
Emotional Readiness for School
Social Relations with Peers and Adults
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.
Emotional Readiness for School
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.
Index 2024 Reports & Recommendations
Explore our research and insights on early childhood development.
2024 Dataset Download
The full anonymised 2024 Thrive by Five Index dataset is available
on the University of Cape Town Data First open data portal.
Our Partners
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.