Key Findings

• We estimate a total of 35.5 million hours of formal ECE has been lost due to COVID-19. This works out to be about 177 hours for the average child in Auckland, and 108 hours for the average child outside of Auckland.
• ECE participation fell sharply during lockdown, and has been slightly down during periods of Level 2, but appears to have returned to normal levels for most children over Level 1.
• There are slightly fewer children in formal ECE this year, but this is more from fewer new children entering than children leaving the sector.
• In non-Auckland regions, younger children were slower to return to ECE than three- and four-year olds after the national lockdown, but participation now appears to be back to normal levels.
• In Auckland regions, recovery has been slower after both lockdowns.
• There are indications that participation has been negatively impacted more for more disadvantaged services, and for Pacific and Māori children.
• Barriers to participation appear to be highest for Pacific children and children at low EQI services in Auckland.