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Fall in number of two-year-olds at the expected level of development

The percentage of two-year-olds at or above the expected level of development in England has fallen in the past year.
The DfE statistics show fewer children achieved the expected level for communication skills than last year, PHOTO: Adobe Stock
The DfE statistics show fewer children achieved the expected level for communication skills than last year, PHOTO: Adobe Stock

New statistics from the Department for Education (DfE) on development outcomes for two and two and half year olds, reveal the percentage at or above the expected level in all five areas of development has fallen from 81.1 per cent in 2021-22 to 79.2 per cent in 2022-23.

The data covers the following areas of development – communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving and personal-social skills.

It finds:

  • The percentage of children at or above the expected level in communication skills for 2022-23 was 85.3 per cent, compared to 86.5 per cent the year prior.
  • 8 per cent of children were at or above the expected level in gross motor skills in 2022-23, while in 2021-22, 93.4 per cent of children were at or above the expected level.
  • On fine motor skills, 92.6 per cent of children were at or above the expected level in 2022-23, compared to 93.2 the year before.
  • 8 per cent of children were at or above the expected level in problem solving skills in 2022-23, while 92.7 per cent of children were at or above the level in 2021-22.
  • The percentage of children at or above the expected level in personal-social skills for 2022-23 was 90.3 per cent. In 2021-22, 91.1 per cent of children were at or above the expected level.

The Early Years Alliance (EYA) called the findings ‘concerning, but sadly not at all surprising given an array of challenges (the pandemic and staffing crisis) over recent year which have created a perfect storm for providers.’

The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) said that its members were reporting more children presenting with additional needs and development delay, and argued that ‘Government support to help this cohort of children was too little, too late.’