Reporting year 2024

Childcare and early years survey of parents

Data guidance

Published

Description

The publication methodology, available on the publication report, should be referenced alongside this data. It provides methodological information on the survey design, sample, fieldwork, data analysis, interpretation, weighting and definitions used.

Coverage

This publication provides information on a survey of parents with children aged 0 to 14 in England. It covers parents’ use of childcare and early years provision, and their views and experiences, including:

  • what childcare is used by different types of families
  • what childcare is used by different types of families and children
  • changes in take-up of childcare over the years
  • parents’ reasons for using or not using childcare and for choosing particular providers
  • parents’ views on the providers they used and on childcare provision in their local area in general
  • the perceived impacts of the 15 and 30 hours of childcare policy on families and children
  • the influence of childcare arrangements on mothers’ decisions about whether to go out to work and working patterns
  • the home learning environment

File formats and conventions

  • z refers to an observation that is not applicable. This is used for 2019 data as this was completed by parents of 0-4s only.
  • x is used when the data is unavailable. This is used when the data was not collected in that year.
  • * means the figure rounds to 0, but is not 0.

Data files

All data files associated with this releases are listed below with guidance on their content. To download any of these files, please visit our data catalogue.

1. Changes to provision

Filename
ceysp24_changes_to_provision.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2023 to 2024
Content
The proportion of families with child(ren) aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 saying that various changes to childcare arrangements would make it better suited to their needs.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
changeChanges to childcare provision that would make it better suited to parents’ needs
family_characteristicFamily and area characteristics
proportionProportion selecting reason

1. Childcare use in school holidays

Filename
ceysp24_childcare_school_holidays_ts.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2008 to 2024
Content
Proportion of families using childcare during the school holidays.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
proportionProportion
type_of_childcareChildcare type
Footnotes
  1. x is used when the data is unavailable. This is used when the data was not collected in that year.
  2. Caution should be taken when comparing 2021 figures with other years due to the potential impact of COVID-19 disruptions on the 2021 data.
  3. 2010 data corresponds to 2010-11, 2011 data corresponds to 2011-12, 2012 data corresponds to 2012-13, 2014 data corresponds to 2014-15. There was no survey in 2013, 2015 and 2016. 2019 survey was with families with children aged 0-4 and so the data are not directly comparable. 2020 data is presented separately in the supporting files due to a limited sample caused by COVID-19 disruption, limiting comparisons.
  4. Estimates for the use of ‘any childcare’ and ‘informal childcare’ prior to the 2019 wave include ex-husbands/wives/partners as a form of childcare, and this should be borne in mind when making comparisons across survey years.

1. Childcare use by families

Filename
ceysp24_childcare_use_families_ts.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2010 to 2024
Content
The proportion of families with children aged 0-14 (split by age bands) using childcare in the most recent term-time week by year.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
child(ren)_ageChild(ren) age
childcare_typeChildcare type
proportionPercentage of families using childcare providers
Footnotes
  1. x is used when the data is unavailable. This is used when the data was not collected in that year.
  2. Caution should be taken when comparing 2021 figures with other years due to the potential impact of COVID-19 disruptions on the 2021 data.
  3. 2010 data corresponds to 2010-11, 2011 data corresponds to 2011-12, 2012 data corresponds to 2012-13, 2014 data corresponds to 2014-15. There was no survey in 2013, 2015 and 2016. 2019 survey was with families with children aged 0-4 and so the data are not directly comparable. 2020 data is presented separately in the supporting files due to a limited sample caused by COVID-19 disruption, limiting comparisons.
  4. Estimates for the use of ‘any childcare’ and ‘informal childcare’ prior to the 2019 wave include ex-husbands/wives/partners as a form of childcare, and this should be borne in mind when making comparisons across survey years.

1. Childcare use by children

Filename
ceysp24_childcare_use_ts.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2010 to 2024
Content
The proportion of children aged 0-14 (split by age groups) using childcare in the most recent term time week by year.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
childcare_typeChildcare type
children_agedChildren aged
proportionPercentage of children using childcare providers in the most recent term time week
Footnotes
  1. x is used when the data is unavailable. This is used when the data was not collected in that year.
  2. Caution should be taken when comparing 2021 figures with other years due to the potential impact of COVID-19 disruptions on the 2021 data.
  3. 2010 data corresponds to 2010-11, 2011 data corresponds to 2011-12, 2012 data corresponds to 2012-13, 2014 data corresponds to 2014-15. There was no survey in 2013, 2015 and 2016. 2019 survey was with families with children aged 0-4 and so the data are not directly comparable. 2020 data is presented separately in the supporting files due to a limited sample caused by COVID-19 disruption, limiting comparisons.
  4. Estimates for the use of ‘any childcare’ and ‘informal childcare’ prior to the 2019 wave include ex-husbands/wives/partners as a form of childcare, and this should be borne in mind when making comparisons across survey years.

1. Reasons not using childcare

Filename
ceysp24_reasons_not_using_families.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2023 to 2024
Content
The proportion of families who had not used any childcare in the last year selecting various reasons for not doing so.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
age_of_children_in_familyAge of children in family
proportionProportion selecting each response
reasonReason selected
type_of_reasonType of reason: choice or constraint

2. Awareness of funded support for 2yo

Filename
ceysp24_awareness_funded_support_2yo.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2024
Content
Awareness of funded childcare support offers for parents with 2 year olds.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
awarenessAwareness of the entitlement to government funded early education for 2-year-olds
child_ageAge of children in family
family_annual_incomeFamily Annual Income
proportionProportion selecting reason

5. Home Learning Environment

Filename
CEYSP24_HLE.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017 to 2024
Content
The proportion of families saying that they engage in various home learning activities at least once a day, by year.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
ActivityHome learning activities
ProportionProportion of families engaging in home learning activities at least once a day, among children aged 0-4
Footnotes
  1. x is used when the data is unavailable. This is used when the data was not collected in that year.

5. Home Learning Environment activities

Filename
CEYSP24_HLE_Activities.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2024
Content
The frequency with which parents engage in various home-learning activities with their children.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
ActivityHome learning activities
FrequencyFrequency
ProportionProportion of families engaging in home learning activities at least once a day, among children aged 0-4

6. Maternal work

Filename
CEYSP24_Maternal_work_TS.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2010 to 2024
Content
The proportion of mothers reporting that they were working.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
Mothers_working_patternMothers working pattern
ProportionPercentage of mothers working FT and PT
Footnotes
  1. x is used when the data is unavailable. This is used when the data was not collected in that year.
  2. 2010 data corresponds to 2010-11, 2011 data corresponds to 2011-12, 2012 data corresponds to 2012-13, 2014 data corresponds to 2014-15. There was no survey in 2013, 2015 and 2016. 2019 survey was with families with children aged 0-4 and so the data are not directly comparable. 2020 data is presented separately in the supporting files due to a limited sample caused by COVID-19 disruption, limiting comparisons.

6. Work factors by child age

Filename
CEYSP24_Work_Factors_0-4_5-14_All.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2024
Content
Factors that influence the decision to work by child age
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
Age_of_children_in_familyAge of children in family
ProportionProportion selecting reason
ReasonReason selected
Footnotes
  1. * denotes a percentage value of less than 0.5% but greater than 0%.

2. Awareness of 15 hours entitlement for 3 yo and 4yo

Filename
ceysp24_awareness_15_hours_34yo.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2024
Content
The proportion of parents aware of the 15 hours entitlement for 3 year olds and 4 year olds.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
awarenessAwareness of the 15 hours offer
family_characteristicFamily and area characteristics
proportionProportion

2. Awareness of 30 hours entitlement for 3 yo and 4yo

Filename
ceysp24_awareness_30_hours_34yo.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2024
Content
The proportion of parents aware of the 15 hours entitlement for 3 year olds and 4 year olds.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
awarenessAwareness of the 30 hours offer
family_characteristicFamily and area characteristics
proportionProportion

2. Work impact 30 hours 34yo

Filename
CEYSP24_30hours_34yo_work_impact.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2024
Content
The perceived work impact of the 30 hour working families entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
ProportionPerceived impact of the 30 hours offer on work
Response_breakdownResponse options

2. Awareness of 30 hours entitlement for 9m to 2yo

Filename
ceysp24_awareness_30_hours_9m2yo.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2024
Content
Awareness of the 30 hour working families entitlement for 9 month to 2 year olds.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
awarenessAwareness of the new 30 hours offer
family_characteristicFamily and area characteristics
proportionProportion selecting reason

3. Affordability good

Filename
CEYSP24_affordability_age_TS.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2010 to 2024
Content
Proportion of parents over time (by child age) judging the affordability of childcare as good.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
Age_of_childrenAge of children in family
ProportionPercentage of parents rating the affordability of local childcare as very or fairly good
Footnotes
  1. x is used when the data is unavailable. This is used when the data was not collected in that year.
  2. 2010 data corresponds to 2010-11, 2011 data corresponds to 2011-12, 2012 data corresponds to 2012-13, 2014 data corresponds to 2014-15. There was no survey in 2013, 2015 and 2016. 2019 survey was with families with children aged 0-4 and so the data are not directly comparable. 2020 data is presented separately in the supporting files due to a limited sample caused by COVID-19 disruption, limiting comparisons.
  3. z refers to an observation that is not applicable. This is used for 2019 data as this was completed by parents of 0-4s only.

3. Difficulty meeting costs

Filename
CEYSP24_difficulty_paying_TS.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2010 to 2024
Content
Proportion of parents overtime finding it difficult to meet their childcare costs.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
Age_of_childrenAge of children in family
ProportionProportion of parents finding it difficult or very difficult to meet their childcare costs
Footnotes
  1. x is used when the data is unavailable. This is used when the data was not collected in that year.
  2. 2010 data corresponds to 2010-11, 2011 data corresponds to 2011-12, 2012 data corresponds to 2012-13, 2014 data corresponds to 2014-15. There was no survey in 2013, 2015 and 2016. 2019 survey was with families with children aged 0-4 and so the data are not directly comparable. 2020 data is presented separately in the supporting files due to a limited sample caused by COVID-19 disruption, limiting comparisons.
  3. z refers to an observation that is not applicable. This is used for 2019 data as this was completed by parents of 0-4s only.

4. Availability about right

Filename
CEYSP24_availability_age_TS.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2008 to 2024
Content
Families with child(ren) aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 perceive the availability of local childcare overtime as about right.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
Age_of_childrenAge of children in family
ProportionPercentage of parents saying the availability of local childcare places is ‘about right’
Footnotes
  1. x is used when the data is unavailable. This is used when the data was not collected in that year.
  2. 2010 data corresponds to 2010-11, 2011 data corresponds to 2011-12, 2012 data corresponds to 2012-13, 2014 data corresponds to 2014-15. There was no survey in 2013, 2015 and 2016. 2019 survey was with families with children aged 0-4 and so the data are not directly comparable. 2020 data is presented separately in the supporting files due to a limited sample caused by COVID-19 disruption, limiting comparisons.
  3. z refers to an observation that is not applicable. This is used for 2019 data as this was completed by parents of 0-4s only.

4. Availability not enough

Filename
CEYSP24_availability_notenough_age_TS.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2010 to 2024
Content
Families with child(ren) aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 perceive the availability of local childcare overtime as not enough.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
Age_of_childrenAge of children in family
ProportionPercentage of parents saying the availability of local childcare places is ‘not enough’
Footnotes
  1. x is used when the data is unavailable. This is used when the data was not collected in that year.
  2. 2010 data corresponds to 2010-11, 2011 data corresponds to 2011-12, 2012 data corresponds to 2012-13, 2014 data corresponds to 2014-15. There was no survey in 2013, 2015 and 2016. 2019 survey was with families with children aged 0-4 and so the data are not directly comparable. 2020 data is presented separately in the supporting files due to a limited sample caused by COVID-19 disruption, limiting comparisons.
  3. z refers to an observation that is not applicable. This is used for 2019 data as this was completed by parents of 0-4s only.

4. Quality good

Filename
CEYSP24_quality_age_TS.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2008 to 2024
Content
Families with child(ren) aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 perceive the quality of local childcare as good overtime.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
Age_of_childrenAge of children in family
ProportionPercentage of parents rating the quality of local childcare as very or fairly good
Footnotes
  1. x is used when the data is unavailable. This is used when the data was not collected in that year.
  2. 2010 data corresponds to 2010-11, 2011 data corresponds to 2011-12, 2012 data corresponds to 2012-13, 2014 data corresponds to 2014-15. There was no survey in 2013, 2015 and 2016. 2019 survey was with families with children aged 0-4 and so the data are not directly comparable. 2020 data is presented separately in the supporting files due to a limited sample caused by COVID-19 disruption, limiting comparisons.
  3. z refers to an observation that is not applicable. This is used for 2019 data as this was completed by parents of 0-4s only.

4. Parent Perceptions_04

Filename
CEYSP24_parent_perceptions_TS.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2008 to 2024
Content
Parental perceptions on local childcare for 0-4 year olds.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
ProportionProportion
Response_breakdownResponse selected
Type_of_perceptionType of perception
Footnotes
  1. x is used when the data is unavailable. This is used when the data was not collected in that year.
  2. 2010 data corresponds to 2010-11, 2011 data corresponds to 2011-12, 2012 data corresponds to 2012-13, 2014 data corresponds to 2014-15. There was no survey in 2013, 2015 and 2016. 2019 survey was with families with children aged 0-4 and so the data are not directly comparable. 2020 data is presented separately in the supporting files due to a limited sample caused by COVID-19 disruption, limiting comparisons.

2. Entitlements use

Filename
ceysp24_entitlements_use.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2024
Content
Use of different funded entitlements by child age.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
children_agedChildren aged
entitlement_typeEntitlement type
proportionPercentage of children using childcare providers in the most recent term time week

2. Satisfaction funded hours

Filename
ceysp24_satisfaction_funded_hours.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2024
Content
Satisfaction with how funded childcare hours can be used.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
childcare_offerChildcare offer
proportionProportion selecting satisfaction level
satisfactionSatisfaction

2. Hours impact 15 hours for 2yo

Filename
ceysp24_15_hours_2yo_hours_impact.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2024
Content
Perceived impact on work hours for the new 15 hour childcare entitlement for 2 year olds.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
change_in_hoursWere the 15 hours offer not available…
family_characteristicFamily characteristic
proportionProportion
Footnotes
  1. Answers from lone parents and those with an annual family income under £30,000 are both based on fewer than 50 respondents. These results should therefore be interpreted with caution.

2. Employment choice impact 15 hours for 2yo

Filename
ceysp24_15_hours_2yo_work_choices.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2024
Content
Perceived impact on employment choices of the new 15 hour childcare entitlement for 2 year olds.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
family_characteristicFamily characteristic
proportionProportion
work_choiceImpact on employment choices
Footnotes
  1. Answers from lone parents and those with an annual family income under £30,000 are both based on fewer than 50 respondents. These results should therefore be interpreted with caution.