2025 ELOM Results Show Momentum—And Clear Areas for Continued Support
Each year, we select a sample group of children to be tested using DataDrive2030’s Early Learning Outcomes Measure (ELOM) Assessments. Used nationally to measure children’s development, these tools allow us to compare children’s progress over time, identify strengths and weaknesses, and adjust our programmes where needed.
How 4-5 year olds did this year
KET’s 2025 ELOM 4–5 assessment, conducted with a sample of 75 children across 16 ECD centres, shows that 72% of children are developmentally on track. This is an improvement from 68% in 2024 and remains notably higher than the national Thrive by Five average of 45% and the Western Cape average of 59%.
Children showed strengths in gross motor skills, executive functioning, and socio-emotional development, with results indicating consistent progress in these areas. Emergent Literacy and Language, however, continues to fall below the provincial benchmark and remains a priority area for improvement.
A notable area was task focus—a strong predictor of later school success according to Thrive by Five. In this assessment, 88% of children showed satisfactory concentration and persistence, suggesting developing readiness for more formal learning environments.
How Grade R children did this year
This was our second year implementing the Grade R School Readiness Programme in collaboration with KILT. Significant effort was put into training Grade R teachers, as well as ensuring children have the correct tools and resources for learning.
The ELOM Grade R assessment showed exciting improvements. Among 68 Grade R children assessed, 64% were on track for Language, up significantly from 36% in 2024. Mathematics results showed even greater improvement, with 75% on track, compared to 25% last year. Social-emotional readiness remains a concern, with about a third of children not meeting the expected standard.
Healthy bodies
100% of assessed children in both sample groups were within the normal height-for-age range, indicating that nutrition and health interventions may be helping to mitigate stunting risks.
Overall, the results show clear progress while highlighting gaps. Children display strong motor skills, growing executive functioning, and good engagement. Literacy and social-emotional development continue to need targeted support. These findings help us recognise where our efforts are working—and where ongoing attention is needed to ensure every child is genuinely ready for school.