This dataset can be found in:

Number and percentage of children aged 3, recorded on roll at a maintained school in PLASC, living in Flying Start and non-Flying Start areas, by local authority

Variable filters

You will be able to change the filter selections once you've chosen how to view the data.
Data description

This indicates what a data value represents

2 of 2 selected
No values match your search
Local Authority
23 of 23 selected
No values match your search
Year
13 of 13 selected
No values match your search
Flying start status
3 of 3 selected
No values match your search
PLASC status
2 of 2 selected
No values match your search

Select a variable for the columns of the table

The values for this variable will go across the top of your table. For example, for a variable containing years, each year would have its own column. You can select a variable in the 'Variable filters' menu to see what values it contains.

See values
See values
See values
See values
See values

Next update expected:October 2026

Updates

9th October 2025
Dataset first published.

Main information

Designation
Official statistics
Data provider
Welsh Government
Data source
Pupil Level Annual School Census (PLASC)
Time period covered
September 2012 to August 2025

Overview

Summary of dataset and variables

This dataset provides data on the numbers of Flying Start children starting Foundation Phase (the statutory curriculum for all 3 to 7 year olds in Wales in both maintained and non-maintained schools), which measures the degree to which Flying Start children are taking-up early years education opportunities. Data is presented for children living in Flying Start and non-Flying Start areas by local authority.

Flying Start is the Welsh Government early years programme delivered by local authorities in Wales. It is aimed at improving outcomes for families with children under 4 years of age in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Wales.

Expansion of all four elements of Flying Start began in September 2022, it included: funded part-time, high-quality childcare for 2 year olds; parenting support; enhanced health visitor support; and support for speech, language and communication.

Data collection or calculation

The main source of data used in this statistical release is the Pupil Level Annual School Census (PLASC). Schools’ data are derived from PLASC returns and STATS 1 returns supplied by schools open on Census day in January each year. The returns are authorised by headteachers and validated by Local Authorities.

Further information on data sources and changes to Flying Start service provision because of the pandemic are detailed in the quality report

Statistical quality

For some local authorities in some years, the number of children recorded on PLASC was greater than the total number of children recorded on NCCHD, resulting in percentage of greater than 100% which has been adjusted to 100%. The local authorities and years affected are:

  • 2012-13: Conwy, Denbighshire, Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf
  • 2013-14: Wrexham
  • 2014-15: Gwynedd, Denbighshire
  • 2015-16: Denbighshire, Bridgend
  • 2016-17: Denbighshire, Caerphilly
  • 2017-18: Gwynedd, Denbighshire, Vale of Glamorgan, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly
  • 2018-19: Blaenau Gwent
  • 2019-20: Vale of Glamorgan, Merthyr Tydfil
  • 2020-21: Denbighshire, Merthyr Tydfil
  • 2021-22: Denbighshire
  • 2022-23: Denbighshire
  • 2023-24: Gwynedd
  • 2024-25: Denbighshire, Wrexham
Related reports

Published by

Organisation
Welsh Government
Contact email
stats.healthinfo@gov.wales