Children aged 3, recorded on roll at a maintained school in PLASC, by Flying Start area and local authority

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Next update expected:October 2027

Updates

23rd September 2026

This update includes the latest annual data. This update includes a change to the title of the dataset.

15th September 2026

Removal of the shorthand note coded [t] from data

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 2026
Dataset ID
e35760c6-69af-48e2-b5e3-8c8151de06f2

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 a Welsh Government early years programme, delivered by local authorities that provides support for families with children aged four and under, particularly in disadvantaged areas with the aim of improving outcomes.

The programme provides a package of support including funded, part-time, high-quality childcare for two-year-olds, enhanced health visiting, parenting support and support for speech, language and communication.

Flying Start was launched in 2006, and all four elements were expanded to more families from September 2022.

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