The Department of Education published its “Education Statistics in South Africa 2009” in November 2010. This is an annual report which provides information relevant to progress that has been made towards improving access to education and the quality of education. This progress is measured by tracking enrolment rates and other indicators linked to quality, such as learner-educator ratio, learner-school ratio, and educator-school ratio.

On the ECD front, the report indicates that in 2009, 620 813 out of a potential 1 035 221 children enrolled in Grade R. This translates into a 60% under enrolment in 2009. On the other hand, 1 106 827 children enrolled in Grade 1 which amounts to an enrolment rate in excess of 100% of children of eligible age; 1 004 311 out of 1 039 784 children enrolled in Grade 2 and a similar number enrolled in Grade 3.

Data related to learner-educator ratio and educator-school ratio is not disaggregated by phase so the report does not provide much insight into the adequacy of facilities and resources to meet the needs of children in the foundation phase in 2009.

Click here to view a full copy of the report.