This dataset provides 2011 estimates that classify families in households in England and Wales by the number of dependent children in the family. The estimates are as at census day, 27 March 2011.

Estimates of dependent children are used by the Department of Education and others to monitor the status and changes in the number, characteristics and family circumstances of children, to inform policy and target the provision of services particularly to those in vulnerable groups.

Similar estimates from the 2001 Census were provided in table UV06 with the highest grouping of dependent children being 2 or more. For 2011 this has increased to 3 or more, however the age groups remain the same.

In order to protect against disclosure of personal information from the 2011 Census, there has been swapping of records in the Census database between different geographic areas, and so some counts will be affected. In the main, the greatest effects will be at the lowest geographies, since the record swapping is targeted towards those households with unusual characteristics in small areas.

More details on the ONS Census disclosure control strategy may be found on the Statistical Disclosure Control page on the ONS web site.