Research and analysis

Early education use and child outcomes at key stage 2

The impact of early education at ages 2 to 11 on child outcomes as part of the study of early education and development (SEED).

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 4 July 2025

Applies to England

Documents

Study of early education and development (SEED): impact report on early education use and child outcomes at key stage 2

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-651-7, RR1527

PDF, 1.33 MB, 120 pages

Study of early education and development (SEED): wave 7 technical report

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-652-4, RR1528

PDF, 438 KB, 32 pages

Study of early education and development (SEED): expected financial returns to early education spending assessed at key stage 2

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-673-9, RR1529

PDF, 2.02 MB, 77 pages

Details

This research is part of the longitudinal study of early education and development (SEED).

The impact report:

• explores whether factors captured in children’s early years by the SEED surveys are associated with their attainment and socio-emotional outcomes upon their completion of key stage 2 (KS2) at year 6
• considers how these outcomes are associated with children’s experience of early childhood education and care (ECEC), including the amount of time spent in care, the age they started receiving care, and the quality of childcare
• investigates the impact of the home environment, parenting, and the quality of the parent and child relationship at KS2

The expected financial returns report estimates the expected economic and non-economic benefits for children that may result from additional hours of formal ECEC in a child’s early years.

Published 4 July 2025