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Department for Education (DfE) research, together with analysis, data and statistics, aims to provide high-quality evidence to inform policy development and delivery. We conduct and commission research and analysis.

Research engagement

We aim to raise awareness of our current and future research interests with a programme of external research engagement.

DfE’s areas of research interest publication sets out our research priorities.

Email: research.engagement@education.gov.uk for more information.

Live studies and surveys

Our large, national studies collect data from children and young people as they move through different phases of education. These are known as longitudinal studies and are live, commissioned studies. Strategic, longitudinal surveys include:Ìý

• the Ìý
• Ìý
• Ìý
• (also known as ‘Your Childcare’)

Email our longitudinal studies team if you have been asked to participate in one of these studies and want to find out more: team.longitudinal@education.gov.uk.

We use flexible surveys, known as omnibus surveys, to collect data from a range of respondents regularly throughout the academic year.

These current, strategic surveys include:Ìý

• school and college voice
• parent, pupil and learner voice

Omnibus surveys has more information about the current surveys and their results.

Childcare Experiences Survey (also known as ‘Your Childcare’)

As part of the evaluation of theÌý,ÌýDfEÌýis running an online childcare survey from March 2026 until 13 May 2026. We have sent letters to 30,000 parents, randomly chosen from those who applied for working families funded childcare between September and December 2025.

We will contact parents again from November 2026 to identify any changes in circumstances, subject to consent. Responses to this survey will help inform how future childcare policies are delivered, and findings will feed directly into the commissioned evaluation of the new entitlement offer.ÌýÌý

If you have any queries about the survey or evaluation, email the team atÌýyour.childcare@education.gov.uk.

Childcare and early years providers survey

This is an annual survey that asks childcare providers about the childcare they deliver.

All Ofsted-registered childcare providers are invited to take part in the survey. Fieldwork for the survey runs from April to July and is carried out on DfE’s behalf by the National Centre for Social Research who will contact you, either by email or telephone, to invite you take part.

Find out more on the National Centre for Social Research’s website: Ìýor email DfE atÌýEY.analysisandresearch@education.gov.uk.

Results from the survey are available at the end of the year as childcare and early years providers survey statistics.

Using our data for research

DfE can share the data we collect for research purposes if it meets our legal and ethical framework requirements. We can share the data we collect from:

• education providers, such as schools and colleges
• the research carried out by DfE or through contractors

If you are a researcher, use to find the data you need.

Personal data is not available on Explore education statistics. If you need to access personal data, use Apply for DfE personal data.

Research funding

You can conduct research using DfE and other government data. We cannot respond to speculative approaches for research funding, as we commission specific research needs through competitive tender.

Research may be funded by a wider funding organisation. You can find current funding opportunities from:

• UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

If you want to tender for research commissioned by DfE, on the following Crown Commercial Services dynamic purchasing systems:Ìý

• Low-Value Purchase System (contracts under £120,000)Ìý
• Research and Insights Marketplace

Research publications

Research reports and official statistics and datasets published since May 2010 are available on our Research and statistics page.

Research published before May 2010 is available in the .

Quality and standards

All external research must meet the quality standards expected of DfEÌýand wider government researchers and analysts. We ensure quality research and analysis through adhering to the DfE quality assurance framework and government evaluation guidance.

Analysts follow a style guide and template as well as other guidance such as from the to ensure that our research is consistent, reliable and of the highest standard.