ECD report highlights urgent need for foundational skills for academic success

JOHANNESBURG - A report looking into Early Childhood Development (ECD) in the country has revealed that a significant number of children entering the education system lack foundational skills that can guarantee them academic success.

On Monday, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube weighed in on the findings, saying the revelation is concerning and is a crisis that needs urgent intervention.

The latest “Thrive by Five Index” report was shared in Sandton, Johannesburg on Monday it provides critical data for guiding educational policy.
The report, described by DataDrive director Sonja Giese as a wake-up call, paints a stark picture of a crisis that she says affects every South African.

The index is based on direct assessments of more than 5000 children in the 4-year-old age bracket attending early learning programmes.

It tracked progress in three core areas of development, including early learning, physical growth, with a focus on stunting and social-emotional functioning

The index revealed that only 42% of those children enrolled in early learning programmes are on track for early learning, with girls far ahead of boys, who are struggling.

Giese said the gaps reflect underlying inequalities in home environments, nutrition, stimulation and classroom quality, which underscores the need for targeted investment in early learning.